Filter-Free Image Sensor Pixels Comprising Silicon
Nanowires with Selective Color Absorption
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Abstract
The
organic dye filters of conventional color image sensors achieve
the red/green/blue response needed for color imaging, but have disadvantages
related to durability, low absorption coefficient, and fabrication
complexity. Here, we report a new paradigm for color imaging based
on all-silicon nanowire devices and no filters. We fabricate pixels
consisting of vertical silicon nanowires with integrated photodetectors,
demonstrate that their spectral sensitivities are governed by nanowire
radius, and perform color imaging. Our approach is conceptually different
from filter-based methods, as absorbed light is converted to photocurrent,
ultimately presenting the opportunity for very high photon efficiency