Multi-Pixel Detector And Associated Method For Increasing Angular Sensitivity

A method for increasing angular sensitivity of a multi-pixel detector to light incident thereon, the multi-pixel detector having a substrate that includes a first photodiode region adjacent to a second photodiode region in a first direction, comprising:

• imparting a phase shift on the light such that the light has, in a cross-sectional plane intersecting the substrate, parallel to a top surface of the substrate, and including the first direction, an oblong intensity distribution that has (i) a first width in the first direction and (ii) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and in the cross-sectional plane, a second width the exceeds the first width.

A method for forming a microlens, comprising:

• forming, on a top substrate surface of a substrate, a block of a reflowable material having a top block surface, opposite the top substrate surface, having a notch therein extending toward the top substrate surface;
• and
• thermally reflowing the block of reflowable material to yield the microlens.