Patent ID: 8378398
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. An image sensor comprising an imaging area having a plurality of pixels with at least one pixel comprising: a photodetector including a storage region having a p conductivity type disposed in a silicon semiconductor layer having an n conductivity type; a first shallow trench isolation region disposed in the silicon semiconductor layer laterally adjacent to the storage region, wherein the first shallow trench isolation region comprises a trench formed in the silicon semiconductor layer that includes a first dielectric structure disposed along an interior bottom and sidewalls of the trench, wherein the dielectric structure includes a first silicon nitride layer disposed over an oxide liner layer; an isolation layer having the n conductivity type disposed in the silicon semiconductor layer only partially along an exterior bottom and sidewall of the trench immediately adjacent to the storage region; a pinning layer having the n conductivity type disposed over the storage region and connected to the isolation layer; a dielectric structure disposed over the pinning layer and at least a portion of the silicon semiconductor layer, wherein the dielectric structure includes a gate oxide layer disposed over the pinning layer and the silicon semiconductor layer and a silicon nitride layer disposed over at least a portion of the gate oxide layer, wherein the silicon nitride layer extends under a transfer gate positioned between the photodetector and the charge-to-voltage conversion region.