IP Library Granted Patent US 7,262,448
Granted Patent B2
US 7,262,448 · App. 11/020,526 · Granted Aug 28, 2007

CMOS image sensor

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,262,448
App. No.
11/020,526
Granted
Aug 28, 2007
Kind
B2
Abstract

A CMOS image sensor is disclosed, to improve light-condensing efficiency by forming a minute lens array having a large curvature (long focal distance) for the increase in height of upper structures above a photodiode, which includes a lower layer formed of the photodiode, metal circuits, and insulating interlayers for insulating the metal circuits from one another; a color filter array of R, G and B formed on the lower layer; an overcoat layer formed on the color filter array; a micro-lens formed on the overcoat layer; and the minute lens array having minute lenses formed between the lower layer and the color filter array, each minute lens having a larger curvature than that of the micro-lens.

Claims (9)

1. A CMOS image sensor comprising:

a lower layer formed of a photodiode, metal circuits, and insulating interlayers for insulating the metal circuits from one another;

a color filter array of R, G, and B formed on the lower layer;

an overcoat layer formed on the color filter array;

a micro-lens formed on the overcoat layer;

a minute lens array having a plurality of minute lenses, on the photodiode, formed between the lower layer and the color filter array, each minute lens having a larger curvature than that of the micro-lens

a protective layer formed between the lower layer and the color filter array, so as to protect the photodiode and the metal circuits; and

a first planarization layer formed on the protective layer, to have the minute lens array thereon.

2. The CMOS image sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a second planarization layer to cover the minute lens array.

Assignments (4)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 3, 2021
From: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INC.
To: MOSAID TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
Reel/Frame 058793/0748 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 11, 2020
From: CPPIB CREDIT INVESTMENTS INC.
To: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
Reel/Frame 054385/0435 →
AMENDED AND RESTATED U.S. PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (FOR NON-U.S. GRANTORS) Recorded Aug 22, 2018
From: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
To: CPPIB CREDIT INVESTMENTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 046900/0136 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 11, 2017
From: DONGBU HITEK CO. LTD.; DONGBU ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
To: CONVERSANT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
Reel/Frame 041330/0143 →