Lens array for photodiode device with an aperture having a lens region and a non-lens region

• US 5,324,930 A
• Filed: 04/08/1993
• Issued: 06/28/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
• Original Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
• Inventors: Jech, Joseph Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelms, David C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LE, QUE TAN
• Application Number:
  US08/043,678
• Time in Patent Office: 446 Days
• Field of Search: 250/216, 250/226, 250/208.1, 250/208.3, 257/435, 257/432, 257/436, 358/212, 358/213.29, 358/213.11, 358/213.13, 358/512, 358/515
• US Class Current: 250/216
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/02164 for shielding light, e.g. light blocking layers, cold shields for infrared detectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/0232 Optical elements or arrangements associated with the device H01L31/0236 takes precedence; for photovoltaic cells H01L31/054; for photovoltaic modules H02S40/20
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/02327 the optical elements being integrated or being directly associated to the device, e.g. back reflectors optical coatings H01L31/0216
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 31/103 the potential barrier being of the PN homojunction type

Abstract

In an image sensor using photodiodes, the structure is arranged so that a lens for each photodiode focuses light onto a first portion of the photodiode. Light from the scene directly illuminates a second portion of the photodiode.

Claims

1. In an image sensor having a plurality of photodiodes and a lens array having individual lenses, each such lens being disposed over a particular photodiode, the improvement comprising:

(a) a light shield provided for each photodiode and having an aperture; and

(b) each lens being provided over a lens region of the aperture to focus light from a scene on a first portion of the photodiode and arranged so that light from the scene also directly illuminates a second portion of the photodiode through a non-lens region of the aperture.

2. The image sensor of claim 1 further including a color filter array positioned between the lens array and the light shield.