Sony patents stacked light sensors that focus light for better range
Sony describes a photodetector with two layers of light sensors stacked on top of each other. An optical element between the layers focuses light passing through the top sensor and directs it to the bottom sensor, improving how well the device detects specific wavelengths.
In the filing’s own words
Provided is a photodetector having high photodetection performance. The photodetector includes: a first photodetection unit configured to detect light in a first wavelength range; a second photodetection unit stacked with the first photodetection unit and configured to detect light in a second wavelength range different from the light in the first wavelength range; and one or a plurality of optical elements that is provided between the first photodetection unit and the second photodetection unit, and condenses the light in the second wavelength range that has passed through the first photodetection unit and guides the condensed light to the second photodetection unit.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A photodetector, comprising: a first photodetection unit configured to detect light in a first wavelength range; a second photodetection unit stacked with the first photodetection unit and configured to detect light in a second wavelength range different from the light in the first wavelength range; and one or a plurality of optical elements that is provided between the first photodetection unit and the second photodetection unit, and condenses the light in the second wavelength range that has passed through the first photodetection unit and guides the condensed light to the second photodetection unit.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION)
- Official title
- PHOTODETECTOR AND RANGING DEVICE
- Publication number
- US20260293346A1
- Application number
- 19474181
- Filed
- Apr 15, 2024
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 17
Classified under
H10F 39/806 Electricity & electronicsG01S 7/4816 Physics & computingH10F 30/225 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/1825 Electricity & electronicsH10F 39/1847 Electricity & electronicsG01S 17/931 Physics & computingMore 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.