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US4764682A
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Photosensitive pixel sized and shaped to optimize packing density and eliminate optical cross-talk
Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices Inc
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Filing: 1986-09-16
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Granted: 1988-08-16
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Expires: 2006-09-16
Abstract
Abstract A photosensitive pixel adapted for use in an image sensing array includes a photogenerative element and a blocking element. The shapes and sizes of the elements are chosen so as to cooperate in defining an overall pixel configuration having a geometry which maximizes the packing density capabilities thereof and insures that both elements sense only incident radiation emanating from a corresponding portion of an image.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis D. Swartz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:44
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F39/00; H10F39/10; H10F39/12; H10F39/18; H04; H04N; H04N1/00; H04N1/024; H04N1/028; H04N25/00; H04N25/60; H04N25/62; H04N25/70; H04N25/701
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A photosensitive pixel adapted for use in an array, said pixel including a photogenerative element and a current blocking element, said elements being electrically interconnected for providing a detectable signal corresponding to the quantity of radiation incident thereupon, the improvement comprising, in combination: said photogenerative element having a first size and shape; said blocking element having a second size and shape, the second size being different than the first size: the first and second sizes and shapes cooperating to define an overall pixel configuration which (1) optimizes the geometrical packing density of pixels in an array and (2) allows the photogenerative element and the blocking element to be operatively disposed in close relationship to one another so as to sense substantially the same incident radiation, thereby eliminating cross-talk.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A photosensitive pixel adapted for use in an array, said pixel including a photogenerative element and a current blocking element, said elements being electrically interconnected for providing a detectable signal corresponding to the quantity of radiation incident thereupon, the improvement comprising, in combination: said photogenerative element having a first size and shape; said blocking element having a second size and shape, the second size being different than the first size: the first and second sizes and shapes cooperating to define an overall pixel configuration which (1) optimizes the geometrical packing density of pixels in an array and (2) allows the photogenerative element and the blocking element to be operatively disposed in close relationship to one another so as to sense substantially the same incident radiation, thereby eliminating cross-talk.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said photogenerative element and said blocking element are disposed in a generally coplanar relationship.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said blocking element is photogenerative.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said blocking element is also photogenrative, said blocking element contributes to said detectable signal by generating electron-hole pairs in response to incident radiation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said photogenerative element and said blocking element are disposed in stacked relationship and said blocking element is also photogenerative, said blocking element contributes said detectable signal by generating electron-hole pairs in response to incident radiation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said first and second shapes cooperate to define a rectangular pixel configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said first and second shapes cooperate to define a polygonal pixel configuration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein one of said first shape and said second shape is generally rectangular.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein both of said first and said second shapes are generally rectangular.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the surface area of the photogenerative element to the blocking element is at least 5:1.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein the ratio of the surface area of the photogenerative element to the blocking element is at least 10:1.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said photogenerative element is a photoresistor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said photogenerative element is a phototransistor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said photogenerative element is a photodiode.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pixel as in claim 14, wherein said photodiode is a Schottky barrier diode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A pixel as in claim 14, wherein said photodiode includes oppositely doped layers formed of thin film semiconductor alloy material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
A pixel as in claim 16, wherein said photodiode further includes a layer formed of substantially intrinsic semiconductor alloy material interposed between said oppositely doped layers so as to form a p-i-n type photodiode.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
A pixel as in claim 17, wherein at least photodiode is formed from a material chosen from the group consisting essentially of: amorphous silicon alloy materials, amorphous germanium alloy materials, and amorphous silicon germanium alloy materials.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pixel as in claim 17, wherein said photogenerative element includes a plurality of p-i-n type photodiodes stacked in optical and electrical series relationship.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said blocking element is a transistor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pixel as in claim 1, wherein said blocking element is a diode.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pixel as in claim 21, wherein said diode is a Schottky barrier diode.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A pixel as in claim 21, wherein said diode includes a pair of oppositely doped layers of thin film semiconductor alloy material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
A pixel as in claim 23, wherein said diode includes a layer of substantially intrinsic semiconductor alor material interposed between said oppositely doped layers so as to provide a p-i-n type diode.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
A pixel as in claim 24, wherein said p-i-n type diode includes at least one layer of semiconductor alloy material chosen from the group consisting essentially of: amorphous silicon alloy materials, amorphous germanium alloy materials, and amorphous silicon germanium alloy materials.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
A pixel as in claim 24, wherein said diode comprises a plurality of stacked p-i-n type diodes disposed in optical and electrical series relationship.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-08-16 | 1992-02-15 | 1992-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-08-16 | 1996-02-15 | 1996-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-08-16 | 2000-02-15 | 2000-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |