SonyGranted patentCameras & imagingInterest 6/10

Sony patents camera sensor film that blocks alpha radiation

Sony describes a camera sensor design that includes a thin protective film to stop alpha particles from interfering with image capture. This film sits over the sensor to block specific radiation while still allowing visible light to pass through.

Why it mattersThis improves image quality in environments where alpha radiation might otherwise cause noise or artifacts in photos.

In the filing’s own words

Provided are an imaging apparatus and a manufacturing method for an imaging apparatus that are advantageous for acquiring a captured image in which an influence of α rays is suppressed. An imaging apparatus includes: a sensor substrate having a photoelectric conversion element on which image-capturing light is incident; a cover substrate that covers the photoelectric conversion element and transmits the image-capturing light; and an α-ray transmission preventive film that transmits the image-capturing light.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a sensor substrate having a photoelectric conversion element on which image-capturing light is incident; a cover substrate that covers the photoelectric conversion element and transmits the image-capturing light; and an α-ray transmission preventive film that transmits the image-capturing light, wherein the α-ray transmission preventive film has a thickness of 1 μm or less.

Facts

Company: Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
Official title: Imaging apparatus and manufacturing method for imaging apparatus
Patent number: US12765096B2
Application number: 18258355
Filed: Dec 6, 2021
Granted: Oct 13, 2026
Inventors: 2
Claims: 20

Classified under

H10F 39/8057 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/024 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/804 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/8063 Electricity & electronics

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.