Optical receiver

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved optical receiver superior to conventional ones in photodetection sensitivity and capable of providing an increased receiving range for optical remote control receivers. A p-type semiconductor substrate and a light receiving section that is an n-type impurity region formed on the semiconductor substrate together form a photodiode. A first p-type impurity region is formed on the surface of the light receiving section and around the light receiving section. The first p-type impurity region overlying the light receiving section surface forms a shield section for providing protection against electromagnetic noise. This shield section partially covers the light receiving section surface for preventing an excessive occurrence of spontaneous noise due to contact with the light receiving section. Additionally, a second p-type impurity region formed deeper than the light receiving section is formed in such a way as to enclose the first p-type impurity region for providing protection against electromagnetic noise incident on the sideface of the semiconductor substrate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.