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Samsung patents metal-based filter for image sensors

Samsung has filed a patent for a spectral filter used in image sensors that uses two distinct metal layers to control which wavelengths of light pass through. The design includes a specific spacing between these metal layers, filled with a material that helps adjust the filter's response to different colors of light.

Why it mattersThis is a routine hardware improvement that could help cameras capture more accurate colors by filtering light more precisely at the sensor level.

In the filing’s own words

Provided is a spectral filter including a first unit filter having a first center wavelength in a first wavelength range, and a second unit filter having a second center wavelength in a second wavelength range, wherein the first unit filter includes two first metal reflective layers provided spaced apart from each other and including a first metal, and a first cavity provided between the two first metal reflective layers, and wherein the second unit filter includes two second metal reflective layers provided spaced apart from each other and including a second metal different from the first metal, and a second cavity provided between the two second metal reflective layers.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A spectral filter comprising: a first unit filter having a first center wavelength in a first wavelength range; and a second unit filter having a second center wavelength in a second wavelength range, wherein the first unit filter comprises: two first metal reflective layers spaced apart from each other and comprising a first metal; and a first cavity between the two first metal reflective layers, and wherein the second unit filter comprises: two second metal reflective layers spaced apart from each other and comprising a second metal different from the first metal; and a second cavity between the two second metal reflective layers, wherein the first cavity comprises a dielectric material, and a refractive index of the dielectric material of the first cavity is adjusted based on the first center wavelength of the first unit filter.

Facts

Company
Samsung (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
Official title
SPECTRAL FILTER, AND IMAGE SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SPECTRAL FILTER
Publication number
US20260287806A1
Application number
19695963
Filed
Jun 2, 2026
Published
Sep 24, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

G02B 5/28 Physics & computingG02B 3/0006 Physics & computingG02B 5/201 Physics & computingG02B 5/22 Physics & computingG02B 5/288 Physics & computingH10F 39/182 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.