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Samsung patents image sensor design with dual vertical gates

Samsung has filed a patent for an image sensor that uses a specific gate structure to control light detection. The design features two vertical extensions that reach down into the sensor's substrate to interact with the photodiode, which captures light. A spacer and insulation layer are placed between these parts to separate them electrically.

Why it mattersThis is a technical improvement to camera hardware that could help manufacturers build more precise sensors, though it does not guarantee a new consumer product.

In the filing’s own words

An image sensor includes a substrate, a vertical gate including a vertical extension vertically extending into the substrate from a top of the substrate, and a horizontal extension extending in parallel with a top surface of the substrate from a top of the vertical extension, a photodiode (PD) disposed under the vertical gate inside the substrate, a spacer disposed between the horizontal extension and the substrate, and a gate insulation layer. A bottom surface and side surfaces of the vertical extension and a bottom surface of the horizontal extension are covered by the gate insulation layer, and the spacer is disposed between the substrate and the gate insulation layer of the horizontal extension.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An image sensor comprising: a substrate comprising a front surface, a back surface opposing the front surface, and a first pixel; a photodiode in the first pixel; and a dual vertical gate vertically overlapping the photodiode, wherein the dual vertical gate comprises: a connection portion; a first vertical extension on the connection portion; and a second vertical extension on the connection portion, wherein a top surface of the first vertical extension is in contact with a bottom surface of the connection portion, wherein a top surface of the second vertical extension is in contact with the bottom surface of the connection portion, wherein the bottom surface of the connection portion is spaced apart from the front surface, and wherein the first and second vertical extensions extend into the substrate from the front surface.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Publication number
US20260271414A1
Application number
19663626
Filed
Apr 30, 2026
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
1
Claims
20

Classified under

H10F 39/80373 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/18 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/014 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/807 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.