Sony is working on a multi-layer image sensor
- ASony engineers have developed a unique multilayer image sensor technology that can significantly reduce noise, increase range and saturation levels.
In conventional sensors, transistors and photodiodes are placed side by side on a substrate. With the new technology, they are arranged separately, layer upon layer, and thus offer significant advantages.
A typical CMOS sensor has back-illuminated pixels on a chip, with control transistors and photodiodes inside, which convert light levels into signals.
If new technology is used, the volume of the transistors can be increased without having to reduce the number of photodiodes accordingly. This will make it possible to reduce noise when shooting in the evening and at night.
The new technology still needs to be refined, but the company plans to use such sensors in mirrorless cameras and smartphone cameras in the future.
In conventional sensors, transistors and photodiodes are placed side by side on a substrate. With the new technology, they are arranged separately, layer upon layer, and thus offer significant advantages.
A typical CMOS sensor has back-illuminated pixels on a chip, with control transistors and photodiodes inside, which convert light levels into signals.
If new technology is used, the volume of the transistors can be increased without having to reduce the number of photodiodes accordingly. This will make it possible to reduce noise when shooting in the evening and at night.
The new technology still needs to be refined, but the company plans to use such sensors in mirrorless cameras and smartphone cameras in the future.