Patent ID: 6710370
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An image sensor array comprising:a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns, each pixel including a contact pad and pixel circuitry connected to the contact pad; a passivation layer formed between the pixel circuitry and the contact pad of each of the plurality of pixels, wherein the contact pad of each pixel is formed on a first surface of the passivation layer and connected to corresponding pixel circuitry by a via structure passing through the passivation layer; a plurality of passivation walls extending from the first surface of the passivation layer and defining a plurality of trenches, each trench being surrounded by corresponding sections of the plurality of passivation walls, each of the plurality of passivation walls having upper edges, wherein the contact pad of each pixel is located in an associated trench such that an upper surface of the contact pad is located between the first surface of the passivation layer and the upper edges of the passivation walls; and a sensor layer formed over the plurality of passivation walls and having lower portions extending into the trenches, wherein each lower portion of the sensor layer abuts the upper surface of an associated pixel contact pad.