Photonic crystal-based filter for use in an image sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An image sensor comprising:
- an array of pixel cells, each pixel cell comprising;
a photo-conversion device;
a micro-lens; and
a substantially flat color filter comprising;
a photonic crystal structure, formed of spaced structures of a first material having a first refractive index, and a second material between the spaced structures having a second refractive index, over the photo-conversion device and beneath the micro-lens, the photonic crystal structure being configured to permit light of predetermined wavelengths to reach the photo-conversion device.
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Abstract
The invention, in various exemplary embodiments, incorporates a photonic crystal filter into an image sensor. The photonic crystal filter comprises a substrate and a plurality of pillars forming a photonic crystal structure over the substrate. The pillars are spaced apart from each other. Each pillar has a height and a horizontal cross sectional shape. A material with a different dielectric constant than the pillars is provided within the spacing between the pillars. The photonic crystal filter is configured to selectively permit particular wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to pass through.
26 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An image sensor comprising:
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an array of pixel cells, each pixel cell comprising; a photo-conversion device; a micro-lens; and a substantially flat color filter comprising; a photonic crystal structure, formed of spaced structures of a first material having a first refractive index, and a second material between the spaced structures having a second refractive index, over the photo-conversion device and beneath the micro-lens, the photonic crystal structure being configured to permit light of predetermined wavelengths to reach the photo-conversion device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An image sensor comprising:
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an array of photo-conversion devices; an array of micro lenses respectively associated with the photo conversion devices; and an array of color filters respectively over the photo-conversion devices and beneath the micro-lens, each color filter comprising a photonic crystal structure, formed of spaced structures of a first material having a first refractive index, and a second material between the spaced structures having a second refractive index, for passing light of a predetermined wavelength to an associated photo conversion device, where said array of color filters is substantially flat, wherein the photonic crystal structure of a filter for one color is different than the photonic crystal structure of a filter for another color. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification