Patent ID: 6582988
Filing Date: 2003-06-24
Classification: G02B,H01L

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor imaging device having a micro lens layer, the steps comprising:a) providing a semiconductor substrate having a matrix of photosensitive devices formed thereon; the matrix of photosensitive devices defining an image field; the matrix of photosensitive devices communicating with an adjacent matrix of bond pads formed external to the image field thereby providing external communication with the imaging device; b) forming a first planarization layer atop the matrix of photosensitive devices and within the image field; c) forming a color filter layer atop the first planarization layer and within the image field; d) forming a second planarization layer atop the color filter layer and within the image field; e) depositing a layer of photo-sensitive lens forming material over the substrate; f) defining a matrix of regions in the layer of photo-sensitive lens forming material coinciding with the matrix of photosensitive devices within the image field on the substrate; g) performing a plasma etch to remove all the photosensitive lens forming material external to the image field and to form narrow cavities between the defined regions of the matrix within the image field; and h) heating the semiconductor substrate whereby said defined regions of the matrix within the image field are reflowed into separated micro lens structures.