Solid state image sensor with on-chip filter and extended spectral response

A method, comprising:

• transmitting a source light via an optical transmitter;
• and
• receiving light, including reflections of the source light, via an optical receiver, the optical receiver including an image sensor, the image sensor including a plurality of sensor elements, wherein each sensor element includes:
• a first sensor portion including a first photodetector and a first metal-interconnect layer;
• a second sensor portion positioned above the first sensor portion, the second sensor portion including a second photodetector and a second metal-interconnect layer;
• a first filter including a color filter disposed below a microlens and above the second photodetector;
• and
• a second filter including a dual bandpass filter disposed below the microlens and above the first photodetector.

An apparatus, comprising:

• means for transmitting a source light via an optical transmitter;
• and
• means for receiving light, including reflections of the source light, via an optical receiver, the optical receiver including an image sensor, the image sensor including a plurality of sensor elements, wherein each sensor element includes:
• a first sensor portion including a first photodetector and a first metal-interconnect layer;
• a second sensor portion positioned above the first sensor portion, the second sensor portion including a second photodetector and a second metal-interconnect layer;
• a first filter including a color filter disposed below a microlens and above the second photodetector;
• and
• a second filter including a dual bandpass filter disposed below the microlens and above the first photodetector.