High dynamic range optical sensing device employing broadband optical filters integrated with light intensity detectors
US11159753B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/55
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A high dynamic range image sensors enabled by integrating broadband optical filters with individual sensor pixels of a pixel array. The broadband optical filters are formed of engineered micro or nanostructures that exhibit large differences in transmittance, e.g. up to 5 to 7 orders of magnitude. Such high transmittance difference can be achieved by using a single layer of individually designed filters, which show varied transmittance as a result of the distinct absorption of various material and structures. The high transmittance difference can also be achieved by controlling the polarization of light and using polarization-sensitive structures as filters. With the presence of properly designed integrated nanostructures, broadband transmission spectrum with transmittance spanning several orders of magnitude can be achieved. This enables design and manufacturing of image sensors with high dynamic range which is crucial for applications including autonomous driving and surveillance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.