Patent ID: 6737626
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An integrated circuit having an image sensor, wherein the image sensor has an array of one or more pixels, wherein at least one pixel in the array comprises:(a) a photoelement formed on a substrate and configured to generate an electrical signal in response to incident light; (b) associated circuitry formed on the substrate and configured to process the electrical signal generated in the photoelement; and (c) two or more insulator structures formed on the substrate and configured to inhibit flow of electricity between at least one of (1) the photoelement and the associated circuitry and (2) the pixel and an adjacent pixel in the array, wherein the two or more insulator structures comprise: (i) an insulator layer between the substrate and at least one of (1) the photoelement and (2) the associated circuitry; and (ii) at least one lateral insulator structure between at least one of (1) the photoelement and the associated circuitry and (2) the pixel and the adjacent pixel, wherein the at least one lateral insulator structure is in direct physical contact with the insulator layer to form a contiguous electrical isolation barrier, wherein: at least part of the photoelement and at least part of the associated circuitry are formed within a common insulator layer formed on the substrate, wherein a portion of the common insulator layer corresponding to the photoelement has a thickness different from a thickness of a portion of the common insulator layer corresponding to the associated circuitry.