Active pixel sensor integrated with a pinned photodiode

Details Active pixel sensor integrated with a pinned photodiode Active pixel sensor integrated with a pinned photodiode

1999-11-08

2001-10-02

Mulpuri, Savitri (Department: 2812)

Semiconductor device manufacturing: process

Making device or circuit responsive to nonelectrical signal

Responsive to electromagnetic radiation

Reexamination Certificate

active

06297070

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to image sensing devices, and more particularly, to the integration of pinned photodiode technology within CMOS technology.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Active pixel sensors refer to electronic image sensors within active devices, such as transistors, that are associated with each pixel. An active pixel sensor has the advantage of being able to easily incorporate signal processing and decision making circuitry on the same chip. Conventional active pixel sensors typically employ polysilicon photocapacitors or photodiodes as the active image sensing elements. These conventional active pixel sensors suffer from poor blue color response, high dark current and image lag.
Pinned photodiodes have been employed within charge coupled devices and have shown advantages in the area of color response for blue light, dark current density and image lag. For this reason pinned photodiodes are normally associated with high performance image sensors. Heretofore, pinned photodiodes have typically been employed as photoelements for charge coupled devices. An example of such a use of a pinned photodiode can be seen in THE PINNED PHOTODIODE FOR AN INTERLINE-TRANSFER CCD IMAGE SENSOR, by Burkey et al., IEDM 84, 1984, pages 28-31. However, charge coupled device technology lacks in the amount and type of circuitry elements that can be placed on a device.
From the foregoing discussion it should be apparent that there remains a need within the art of semiconductors for a pinned photodiode employed within a semiconductor technology that can provide advanced circuitry elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing for the optimization of two technologies (CMOS and CCD) wherein a pinned photodiode is integrated into the image sensing element of an active pixel sensor. Pinned photodiodes are normally fabricated with CCD technology. By incorporating the appropriate process steps a pinned photodiode can be integrated into the active pixel architecture. To improve the blue response and the dark current limitations of the active pixel sensor, a new CMOS imager has been integrated with a pinned photodiode using a mixed process technology. This technology combines CMOS and CCD processes to provide the best features from both technologies.


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