Micro-lens configuration for small lens focusing in digital imaging devices
AssigneeAptina Imaging Corporation
InventorsTongbi Jiang, Michael Connell, Jin Li
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved image sensor wherein a first micro-lens array comprised of one or more micro-lenses is positioned over a cavity such that incoming light is focused on the photo sensors of the image sensor. The first micro-lens array may collimate and focus incoming light onto the photo sensors of the image sensor, or may collimate incoming light and direct it to a second micro-lens array which then focuses the light onto the photo sensors. A method of fabricating the improved image sensor is also provided wherein the cavity and first micro-lens array are formed by use of a sacrificial material.
Claims31
An image sensor comprising:
- a first micro-lens array comprising first micro-lenses for capturing incoming light;
- a second micro-lens array comprising second micro-lenses for focusing incoming light onto photo sensors, wherein the first micro-lens array is positioned above the second micro-lens array and separated from the second micro-lens array by a cavity;
- and
- one or more supports for supporting the first micro-lens array relative to the second micro-lens array.
An image sensor comprising:
- a substrate having upper substrate layers;
- a first micro-lens array comprising first micro-lenses for capturing incoming light, the first micro-lens array being separated from the upper substrate layers by a cavity;
- and
- one or more supports for supporting the first micro-lens array above the upper substrate layers.
An imager system comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- an image sensor electrically coupled to said processor, said image sensor comprising:
- a first micro-lens array having first micro-lenses for capturing incoming light;
- a second micro-lens array having second micro-lenses for focusing incoming light onto photo sensors, wherein the first micro-lens array is positioned above the second micro-lens array and separated from the second micro-lens array by a cavity;
- and
- one or more supports for supporting the first micro-lens array relative to the second micro-lens array.
An imager system, comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- an image sensor electrically coupled to said processor, said image sensor comprising:
- a substrate having upper substrate layers;
- a first micro-lens array having first micro-lenses for capturing incoming light,
- the first micro-lens array being separated from the upper substrate layers by a cavity;
- and
- one or more supports for supporting the first micro-lens array above relative to the upper substrate layers.
31-63. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.