Image sensors with graded refractive index microlenses
AssigneeAptina Imaging Corporation
InventorAndrea Del Monte
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An image sensor has an array of image sensor pixels. Each image sensor pixel may have a gradient index lens formed in a passivation layer. The gradient index lens may be a converging or diverging gradient index lens. The gradient index lens may have a gradient index profile that is smooth or a gradient index profile having distinct regions of lower or higher refractive index. Regions of lower refractive index may be formed from ion implantation in the passivation layer. Each pixel may also have a polymer microlens, a color filter, a dielectric stack, and a photosensitive element in a substrate.
Claims18
An image sensor pixel, comprising:
- a photodiode in a substrate;
- a microlens;
- and
- a gradient index lens formed in a passivation layer between the photodiode and the microlens, wherein the passivation layer has a center region and a peripheral region, and wherein the peripheral region comprises an ion-implanted region.
An array of image sensor pixels, wherein each image sensor pixel comprises:
- a photodiode in a substrate;
- a microlens;
- and
- a gradient index lens between the photodiode and the microlens, wherein the gradient index lens has a radially-varying refractive index profile provided by implanted ions.
An array of image sensor pixels, wherein each image sensor pixel comprises:
- a graded index microlens formed in a passivation layer;
- and
- a photosensitive element that receives light through the graded index microlens, wherein the graded index microlens in the passivation layer has a substantially ring-shaped region having implanted ions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.