# US 2025/0097597 A1 · Phase detection autofocus pixel

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- Number: US 2025/0097597 A1
- Document ID: US20250097597A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 18/792,271
- Filed: 2024-08-01
- Published: 2025-03-20
- Earliest claimed: 2023-09-19
- Assignees: Gpixel NV
- Applicants: Gpixel NV
- Inventors: Jan BOGAERTS; Pierre BOULENC
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20250097597A1

## CPC

- H04N 25/704: Pixels specially adapted for focusing, e.g. phase difference pixel sets
- H10F 39/8063: {Microlenses}
- G03B 11/04: Hoods or caps for eliminating unwanted light from lenses, viewfinders or focusing aids
- H10F 39/8057: {Optical shielding}
- H10F 39/802: {Geometry or disposition of elements in pixels, e.g. address-lines or gate electrodes}
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H10F: INORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES SENSITIVE TO INFRARED RADIATION, LIGHT, ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION OF SHORTER WAVELENGTH OR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION
- G03B: APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D)

## Abstract

A phase detection autofocus pixel (1) comprising, a photodiode (2), a plurality of microlenses (3) for concentrating light, incident on each of the microlenses (3), onto the photodiode (2), and for each microlens (3), a light shield (4) associated therewith, for blocking part of the light transmitted by the microlens (3) towards the photodiode (2), wherein the light shields (4) are offset from an optical axis (31) of their associated microlenses (3) in a same offset direction (X).

## Claims

### Claim 1

A phase detection autofocus pixel comprising,
a photodiode,
a plurality of microlenses for concentrating light, incident on each of the microlenses, onto the photodiode, and
for each microlens, a light shield associated therewith, for blocking part of the light transmitted by the microlens towards the photodiode, wherein the light shields are offset from an optical axis of their associated microlenses in a same offset direction.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of microlenses are organised in a square array.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 2, wherein the square array of microlenses comprises rows and columns of microlenses, each row and column comprising at least two microlenses.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of microlenses are substantially uniform in shape and size.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light shield associated with a microlens blocks substantially all light transmitted by the associated microlens that would, in absence of the microlens, be collected by the photodiode at a side of said optical axis in said offset direction.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein each light shield is formed of a metal.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light shields have substantially the same dimensions, and wherein the light shields are offset by substantially a same distance from the optical axis of their associated microlens.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

An image sensor comprising a pair of phase detection autofocus pixels comprising:
a first phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light shields of the first phase detection autofocus pixel are each offset from the optical axis of their associated microlens in a first offset direction, and
a second phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light shields of the second phase detection autofocus pixel are each offset from the optical axis of their associated microlens in a second offset direction, substantially opposite to the first offset direction.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The image sensor in accordance with claim 8, comprising a device configured for comparing a signal generated by the photodiode of the first phase detection autofocus pixel with a signal generated by the photodiode of the second phase detection autofocus pixel.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

A camera comprising the image sensor in accordance with claim 9, further comprising a camera lens,
wherein the camera is configured for moving the camera lens along an optical axis of the camera lens based on said comparing of a signal generated by the photodiode of the first phase detection autofocus pixel with a signal generated by the photodiode of the second phase detection autofocus pixel.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

Use of a phase detection autofocus pixel in accordance with claim 1 for focusing of a camera lens.