Sony patents stacked photodetector with light blocker for better image quality
Sony describes a photodetector design that stacks two layers of light-sensing material to capture images. A specific light-blocking structure surrounds the lower layer to prevent stray light from interfering with the signal.
In the filing’s own words
A photodetector includes a first base, a second base, and a light blocker. The first base includes a first semiconductor substrate in which a first photoelectric conversion element is disposed. The first photoelectric conversion element converts entering light into electric charge. The second base is disposed on an opposite side of the first base to a light entering side and includes a second semiconductor substrate in which a second photoelectric conversion element is disposed. The second photoelectric conversion element converts entering light into electric charge. The light blocker is disposed, as viewed from the light entering side, along and around a side surface of the second photoelectric conversion element. The light blocker extends from a surface of the second base on the light entering side through at least the second semiconductor substrate in a thickness direction. The light blocker blocks light from the second photoelectric conversion element.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A photodetector, comprising: a first base including a first semiconductor substrate in which a first photoelectric conversion element is disposed, the first photoelectric conversion element converting entering light into electric charge; a second base disposed on an opposite side of the first base to a light entering side and including a second semiconductor substrate in which a second photoelectric conversion element is disposed, the second photoelectric conversion element converting entering light into electric charge; and a light blocker disposed, as viewed from the light entering side, along and around a side surface of the second photoelectric conversion element, the light blocker extending from a surface of the second base on the light entering side through at least the second semiconductor substrate in a thickness direction, the light blocker blocking light from the second photoelectric conversion element.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
- Official title
- PHOTODETECTOR
- Publication number
- US20260293344A1
- Application number
- 19474179
- Filed
- Apr 28, 2023
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 16
Classified under
H10F 39/8057 Electricity & electronicsH10F 30/225 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/811 Electricity & electronicsMore from Sony in Chips & hardware
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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.