Nano wire based passive pixel image sensor
AssigneeZena Technologies, Inc.
InventorsYoung-June YU, Munib Wober
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An imaging device including a plurality of photo-sensitive elements suitable for imaging small objects less than 500 nm in size. Each of the photo-sentive elements forms a passive pixel which comprises at least one nanowire structured photodetector and a switch transistor. The nanowire structured photodetector is configured to receive the photons and store the photo generated charges and behave as a waveguide. The switch transistor is formed either in the substrate or at the same body of the nanowire and is configured to allow photo-genereated charges in the nanowire to accumulate when off and to drain from the nanowire when on. The pixel array is configured to allow high resolution imaging by arranging in a penny round pattern.
Claims67
A device comprising:
- an array of pixels, the pixels comprising a nanowire photodiode comprising a nanowire and a substrate, wherein the pixels are passive pixels.
A device comprising a passive pixel sensor comprising:
- an array of pixels, the pixels comprising a nanowire photodiode comprising a nanowire and a substrate, wherein the pixels are passive pixels.
(canceled)
A method of imaging comprising:
- obtaining a nanowire sensor array comprising an array of pixels, the pixels comprising a nanowire photodiode and a substrate;
- placing an object in contact with the nanowire sensor array;
- exposing the object and sensor to electromagnetic radiation;
- and
- detecting an image of the object,
- wherein the pixels are passive pixels.
A device comprising:
- an array of pixels, the pixels comprising a nanowire photodiode comprising a nanowire and a substrate, wherein the nanowire is surrounded by two or more concentric dielectric layers, wherein the pixels are passive pixels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.