LIQUID CRYSTAL POLARIZERS FOR IMAGING

An image sensor includes imaging pixels and a patterned liquid crystal polarizer (LCP). The imaging pixel include subpixels. The patterned LCP is disposed over the subpixels and configured to direct a particular polarized portion of imaging light to particular subpixels.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to optics, and in particular to polarizers.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Optical components in devices include refractive lenses, diffractive lenses, color filters, neutral density filters, and polarizers. Linear and circular polarizers are common-place in both commercial and consumer systems and devices, for example. Wire-grid polarizers are a common polarizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this specification, several terms of art are used. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in the art from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or the context of their use would clearly suggest otherwise.

In some implementations of the disclosure, the term “near-eye” may be defined as including an element that is configured to be placed within 50 mm of an eye of a user while a near-eye device is being utilized. Therefore, a “near-eye optical element” or a “near-eye system” would include one or more elements configured to be placed within 50 mm of the eye of the user.

In aspects of this disclosure, visible light may be defined as having a wavelength range of approximately 380 nm-700 nm. Non-visible light may be defined as light having wavelengths that are outside the visible light range, such as ultraviolet light and infrared light. Infrared light having a wavelength range of approximately 700 nm-1 mm includes near-infrared light. In aspects of this disclosure, near-infrared light may be defined as having a wavelength range of approximately 700 nm-1.4 μm.

In aspects of this disclosure, the term “transparent” may be defined as having greater than 90% transmission of light. In some aspects, the term “transparent” may be defined as a material having greater than 90% transmission of visible light.

Wire-grid polarizers are traditionally used in products for infrared applications. However, micropatterned wire-grid polarizers have (1) limited spatial resolution, (2) poor performance at visible wavelengths, (3) require complicated lithographic processing, and (4) are susceptible to defects.

In this disclosure, a liquid crystal polarizer (LCP) fabricated by photoalignment of absorbing materials is disclosed as an alternative to creating patterned polarizers (e.g. micro-patterned wire-grid polarizers) for particular imaging systems. The LCP may be fabricated with polymers and photoalignment of absorbing materials. The photoalignment of absorbing materials in polymers can produce micron-sized polarizers of high efficiency and extinction for ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. In some implementations, the absorbing materials are dimensions at less than 10 microns. In some implementations, the features may be as small as 2.5 microns. In some implementations, the LCP includes twisted liquid crystals. In some implementations, the LCP includes untwisted liquid crystals. In some implementations, the LCP includes both twisted liquid crystals and untwisted liquid crystals.

In implementations of the disclosure, a CMOS sensor with Liquid Crystal polarizers (LCP) is disclosed that allows for full or partial Stokes imaging (e.g.FIG.1). In some implementations, a liquid crystal (LC) Pancharatnam-Berry phase (PBP) lens is included with an optical sensor.

An implementation of the disclosure includes an optical sensor with a patterned liquid crystal polarizer on top of a photo-sensitive region with photodiode(s) beneath it to measure Stokes parameters for polarization imaging. Above the patterned LCP, there can be a light guiding element (for e.g. microlens) to improved optical efficiency. Between the patterned LCP and the photon-sensitive region, there can be optional optical structures including filter, high absorption protrusion, back side metals, deep trench interface and polarization sensitive element. Deep Trench Interface (DTI) can be added around the boundaries of the photosensitive region (e.g. silicon) for each pixel, to reduce crosstalk between pixels.

Another implementation of the disclosure includes an optical sensor with a patterned liquid crystal polarizer on top of a photo-sensitive region with photodiode(s) beneath it to measure partial Stokes parameters for polarization difference imaging. Above the patterned LCP, there can be a light guiding element (for e.g. microlens) to improved optical efficiency. Between the patterned LCP and the photo-sensitive region, there can be optional optical structures including filter, high absorption protrusion, back side metals, deep trench interface and polarization sensitive element.

Some implementations of the disclosure may include a LC-PBP lens disposed over photodiodes(s) to measure components of RHC and LHC for polarization imaging. These and other embodiments are described in more detail in connection withFIGS.1-9.

FIGS.1A-1Fillustrate various subpixels having Liquid Crystal Polarizers (LCP) for sensing different polarization orientations of incident imaging light, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.FIGS.1A-1Dare subpixels configured to sense various orientations of linearly polarized light andFIGS.1E-1Fare subpixels configured to sense circularly polarized light.

FIG.1Aillustrates subpixel101configured to sense a vertically polarized portion of image light190. Vertically polarized light may also be referred to as 0-degree linearly polarized light, in the disclosure. Subpixel101includes a microlens140A, a semiconductor substrate region110A, a high absorption layer120A, and a 0-degree (vertical) polarizer131that is implemented as an LCP. Semiconductor substrate region110A may be made of silicon, for example. A Deep Trench Interface (DTI) may be optionally included around a boundary of the high absorption layer120A and the semiconductor substrate region110A to separate adjacent subpixels. InFIG.1A, high absorption layer120A is disposed between semiconductor substrate region110A and 0-degree (vertical) polarizer131. 0-degree (vertical) polarizer131is disposed between microlens140A and high absorption layer120A.

In operation, imaging light190is incident on subpixel101and microlens140A focuses the imaging light190to semiconductor substrate region110A. 0-degree (vertical) polarizer131passes the vertically polarized portion191of imaging light190and blocks/rejects other polarizations of imaging light190. Vertically polarized portion191of imaging light190becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region110A and generates a first imaging signal181in response to the intensity of the vertically polarized portion191of imaging light190.

FIG.1Billustrates subpixel102configured to sense a 45-degree polarized portion of image light190. 45-degree polarized light may also be referred to as 45-degree linearly polarized light, in the disclosure. Subpixel102includes a microlens140B, a semiconductor substrate region110B, a high absorption layer120B, and a 45-degree polarizer132that is implemented as an LCP. Semiconductor substrate region110B may be made of silicon, for example. A Deep Trench Interface (DTI) may be optionally included around a boundary of the high absorption layer120B and the semiconductor substrate region110B to separate adjacent subpixels. InFIG.1B, high absorption layer120B is disposed between semiconductor substrate region110B and 45-degree polarizer132. 45-degree polarizer132is disposed between microlens140B and high absorption layer120B.

In operation, imaging light190is incident on subpixel102and microlens140B focuses the imaging light190to semiconductor substrate region110B. 45-degree polarizer132passes the 45-degree polarized portion192of imaging light190and blocks/rejects other polarizations of imaging light190. 45-degree polarized portion192of imaging light190becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region110B and generates a second imaging signal182in response to the intensity of the 45-degree polarized portion192of imaging light190.

FIG.1Cillustrates subpixel103configured to sense a horizontally polarized portion of image light190. Horizontally polarized light may also be referred to as 90-degree linearly polarized light, in the disclosure. Subpixel103includes a microlens140C, a semiconductor substrate region110C, a high absorption layer120C, and a 90-degree (horizontal) polarizer133that is implemented as an LCP. Semiconductor substrate region110C may be made of silicon, for example. A Deep Trench Interface (DTI) may be optionally included around a boundary of the high absorption layer120C and the semiconductor substrate region110C to separate adjacent subpixels. InFIG.1C, high absorption layer120C is disposed between semiconductor substrate region110C and 90-degree (horizontal) polarizer133. 90-degree (horizontal) polarizer133is disposed between microlens140C and high absorption layer120C.

In operation, imaging light190is incident on subpixel103and microlens140C focuses the imaging light190to semiconductor substrate region110C. 90-degree (horizontal) polarizer133passes the horizontally polarized portion193of imaging light190and blocks/rejects other polarizations of imaging light190. Horizontally polarized portion193of imaging light190becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region110C and generates a third imaging signal183in response to the intensity of the horizontally polarized portion193of imaging light190.

FIG.1Dillustrates subpixel104configured to sense a 135-degree polarized portion of image light190. 135-degree polarized light may also be referred to as 135-degree linearly polarized light, in the disclosure. Subpixel104includes a microlens140D, a semiconductor substrate region110D, a high absorption layer120D, and a 135-degree polarizer134that is implemented as an LCP. Semiconductor substrate region110D may be made of silicon, for example. A Deep Trench Interface (DTI) may be optionally included around a boundary of the high absorption layer120D and the semiconductor substrate region110D to separate adjacent subpixels. InFIG.1D, high absorption layer120D is disposed between semiconductor substrate region110D and 135-degree polarizer134. 135-degree polarizer134is disposed between microlens140D and high absorption layer120D.

In operation, imaging light190is incident on subpixel104and microlens140D focuses the imaging light190to semiconductor substrate region110D. 135-degree polarizer134passes the 135-degree polarized portion194of imaging light190and blocks/rejects other polarizations of imaging light190. 135-degree polarized portion194of imaging light190becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region110D and generates a fourth imaging signal184in response to the intensity of the 135-degree polarized portion194of imaging light190.

FIG.1Eillustrates an example subpixel105configured to sense a right-hand circularly (RHC) polarized portion of image light190. Subpixel105includes a microlens140E, a semiconductor substrate region110E, a high absorption layer120E, and an RHC polarizing layer160. RHC polarizing layer160includes a quarter-waveplate (QWP)135and a 90-degree (horizontal) polarizer136that is implemented as an LCP. Fast axis alignment between QWP135and polarizer136may be required for example subpixel105. Semiconductor substrate region110E may be made of silicon, for example. A Deep Trench Interface (DTI) may be optionally included around a boundary of the high absorption layer120E and the semiconductor substrate region110E to separate adjacent subpixels. InFIG.1E, high absorption layer120E is disposed between semiconductor substrate region110E and RHC polarizing layer160. RHC polarizing layer160is disposed between microlens140E and high absorption layer120E.

In operation, imaging light190is incident on subpixel105and microlens140E focuses the imaging light190to semiconductor substrate region110E. RHC polarizing layer160passes the RHC polarized portion195of imaging light190and blocks/rejects other polarizations of imaging light190. RHC polarized portion195of imaging light190becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region110E and generates a fifth imaging signal185in response to the intensity of the RHC polarized portion195of imaging light190.

FIG.1Fillustrates an example subpixel106configured to sense a left-hand circularly (LHC) polarized portion of image light190. Subpixel106includes a microlens140F, a semiconductor substrate region110F, a high absorption layer120F, and a LHC polarizing layer170. LHC polarizing layer170includes a QWP135and a 0-degree (vertical) polarizer137that is implemented as an LCP. Fast axis alignment between QWP135and polarizer137may be required for example subpixel106. Semiconductor substrate region110F may be made of silicon, for example. A Deep Trench Interface (DTI) may be optionally included around a boundary of the high absorption layer120F and the semiconductor substrate region110F to separate adjacent subpixels. InFIG.1F, high absorption layer120F is disposed between semiconductor substrate region110F and LHC polarizing layer170. LHC polarizing layer170is disposed between microlens140F and high absorption layer120F.

In operation, imaging light190is incident on subpixel106and microlens140F focuses the imaging light190to semiconductor substrate region110F. LHC polarizing layer170passes the LHC polarized portion196of imaging light190and blocks/rejects other polarizations of imaging light190. LHC polarized portion196of imaging light190becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region110F and generates a sixth imaging signal186in response to the intensity of the LHC polarized portion196of imaging light190.

FIGS.2A and2Billustrate an LC-PBP lens disposed over a pair of subpixels configured to sense circularly polarized light, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.FIG.2Aincludes a LC-PBP lens230disposed over subpixel207and subpixel208. Subpixel207includes an optional high absorption layer220E and a semiconductor substrate region210A. Subpixel208includes an optional high absorption layer220F and a semiconductor substrate region210F. Subpixel207is configured to sense the RHC polarized portion297of image light290and subpixel208is configured to sense the LHC polarized portion298of image light290. LC-PBP lens230is configured to direct the RHC polarized portion297of imaging light290to subpixel207. RHC polarized portion297of imaging light290becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region210A and generates imaging signal281in response to the intensity of the RHC polarized portion297of imaging light290. LC-PBP lens230is configured to direct the LHC298portion of imaging light290to subpixel208. LHC polarized portion298of imaging light290becomes incident on semiconductor substrate region210B and generates imaging signal282in response to the intensity of the LHC polarized portion298of imaging light290.

FIG.2Billustrates a perspective view of an example LC-PBP lens230, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. InFIG.2B, LC-PBP lens230is configured to diffract the RHC polarized portion297of imaging light290at a +1 diffraction order and configured to diffract the LHC polarized portion298of imaging light290at a −1 diffraction order. Equation 255 ofFIG.2Bprovides an equation for designing the period (p) of LC-PBP lens230with respect to the desired order of diffraction (m), wavelength (λ), angle of incidence θinof imaging light290, and angle of diffraction θn, for a given diffraction order. ninin equation 255 represent the refractive index of a material (e.g. a 1.5 refractive index of a microlens) that light290encounters prior to LC-PBP lens230and nmin equation 255 represents the refractive index encountered by LHC polarized portion298of imaging light290and LHC polarized portion298of imaging light290.

Hence, subpixels105and106ofFIGS.1E and1For subpixels207and208may be used to sense circularly polarized portions of imaging light. In some implementations, LC-PBP lens230is designed to include the functionality of microlens140E or140F so that a refractive microlens can be eliminated for subpixels207and208. This may advantageously save fabrication steps, fabrication materials, and decrease the size of a given imaging system.

FIGS.1A-2Billustrate using an LCP layer for various subpixels for imaging (1) vertical linearly polarized light; (2) 45-degree linearly polarized light; (3) horizontally linearly polarized light; (4) 135-degree linearly polarized light; (5) RHC polarized light; and (6) LHC polarized light. Thus, the example subpixels may be combined into pixels capable of Stokes Imaging, partial-Stokes Imaging, and polarization difference imaging (PDI). The Stokes parameters are as follows:

Those skilled in the art appreciate that the reference coordinate system for “vertical,” 45-degree, “horizontal,” and 135-degree can be rotated arbitrarily in different implementations as long as the angles of transmission differ by 45 degrees from each other. In addition, there may be a margin range for each polarization orientation. For example, the term “45-degree linearly polarized light” may include 40 degree to 50 degree linearly polarized light and the term “135-degree linearly polarized light” may include 130 degree to 140 degree linearly polarized light.

FIG.3illustrates an LCP301arranged with regions to be disposed over subpixels to achieve Full Stokes Imaging, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. LCP301includes regions 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. Region 01 of LCP301is configured to pass vertically polarized light (0) to a photodiode disposed below region 01; region 02 of LCP301is configured to pass 45-degree polarized light (45) to a photodiode disposed below region 02; region 05 of LCP301is configured to pass horizontally polarized light (90) to a photodiode disposed below region 05; and region 06 of LCP301is configured to pass 135-degree polarized light (135) to a photodiode disposed below region 06. A refractive microlens341may be optionally disposed over regions 01, 02, 05, and 06 to focus imaging light to the subpixels.

Region 03 of LCP301is configured to pass LHC polarized light to a photodiode disposed below region 03 and region 08 of LCP301is configured to pass RHC polarized light to a photodiode disposed below region 08. Subpixels disposed below regions 04 (X) and 07 (X) of LCP301may be configured to sense infrared light, visible light, and/or specific bandwidths of visible light and infrared light. In an implementation, at least one of region 04 or region 07 is configured to sense horizontally polarized light and vertically polarized light to generate an intensity signal. A refractive microlens342may optionally be disposed over regions 03, 04, 07, and 08 to focus imaging light to the subpixels.

FIG.3shows that some of the patterns of LCP301may be continued or repeated so that a plurality of pixels includes the subpixels described above. In some implementations, the polarizers of subpixels101,102,103,104,105,106,207, and208may be implemented as regions of LCP301where LCP301may be a contiguous material. A contiguous LCP301may cover an entire image sensor where the image sensor includes thousands or millions of imaging pixels.

FIG.4illustrates an LCP401arranged with regions to be disposed over subpixels to provide polarization difference imaging (PDI), in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Polarization differences in the portions of the retina of some animals (e.g. fish) have been shown to be advantageous for survival and imaging polarization differences in incident light can also assist in determining the surface of objects in the environment. LCP401is configured to provide linear polarization difference imaging, and in particular, horizontal polarization and vertical polarization differences. Notably, the arrangement of LCP401may be used to calculate the first Stokes parameter: S1=Horizontal−Vertical.

LCP401includes regions 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The configuration of each region is notated similarly to the notation of the regions of LCP301(e.g. 0, 90, X). A refractive microlens441may be optionally disposed over regions 01, 02, 05, and 06 of LCP401to focus imaging light to the subpixels. A refractive microlens442may optionally be disposed over regions 03, 04, 07, and 08 of LCP401to focus imaging light to the subpixels.

FIG.5illustrates an LCP501arranged with regions to be disposed over subpixels to provide PDI for 45-degree polarization and 135-degree polarization differences, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Notably, the arrangement of LCP501may be used to calculate the second Stokes parameter: S2=45°-(135°). LCP501includes regions 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The configuration of each region is notated similarly to the notation of the regions of LCP301(e.g. 45, 135, X). A refractive microlens541may be optionally disposed over regions 01, 02, 05, and 06 of LCP501to focus imaging light to the subpixels. A refractive microlens542may optionally be disposed over regions 03, 04, 07, and 08 of LCP501to focus imaging light to the subpixels.

FIG.6illustrates an LCP601arranged with regions to be disposed over subpixels to provide PDI for RHC polarization and LHC polarization differences, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Notably, the arrangement of LCP601may be used to calculate the third Stokes parameter: S3=LHC−RHC. LCP601includes regions 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The configuration of each region is notated similarly to the notation of the regions of LCP301(e.g. LHC, RHC, X). A refractive microlens641may be optionally disposed over regions 01, 02, 05, and 06 of LCP601to focus imaging light to the subpixels. A refractive microlens642may optionally be disposed over regions 03, 04, 07, and 08 of LCP601to focus imaging light to the subpixels. WhileFIGS.3-6illustrate example polarization arrangements, other arrangements are of course possible, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

FIG.7illustrates an imaging system700including an image pixel array702, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. All or portions of imaging system700may be included in an image sensor, in some implementations. Imaging system700includes control logic708, processing logic712, and image pixel array702. Image pixel array702may be arranged in rows and columns where integery is the number of rows and integer x is the number of columns. The image pixel array702may have a total of n pixel (P) and integer n may be the product of integer x and integery. In some implementations, n is over one million imaging pixels. Each imaging pixel may include a portion of the subpixels described in the disclosure (e.g.101,102,103,104,105,106,207, and/or208).

In operation, control logic708drives image pixel array702to capture an image. Image pixel array702may be configured to have a global shutter or a rolling shutter, for example. Each subpixel may be configured in a 3-transistor (3T) or 4-transistor (4T) readout circuit configuration. Processing logic712is configured to receive the imaging signals from each subpixel. Processing logic712may perform further operations such as subtracting or adding some imaging signals from other imaging signals. For example, determining a Stokes parameter may require adding imaging signals or subtracting imaging signal from various subpixels. Processing logic712may be configured to generate a partial-Stokes image715in response to first signals181, second signals182, third signals183, and fourth signals184from all the subpixels in image pixel array702. In an implementation where LCP301was disposed over image pixel array702, processing logic712may be configured to generate a full-Stokes image715in response to first signals181, second signals182, third signals183, fourth signals184, fifth signals185/281, and sixth signals186/282from all the subpixels in image pixel array702. Processing logic712may also be configured to assist in generating a PDI image715where LCP401,501, or601are disposed over image pixel array702.

FIG.8Aillustrates an example imaging system800for imaging circularly polarized light, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. Imaging system800includes an object810, a focusing element815having a focal length816, and an image pixel array802. Focusing element815focuses image light scattered/reflected from object810to image pixel array802.

Image pixel array802includes an on-axis pixel852. On-axis pixel852may be disposed in a center of image pixel array802and may receive the image light from a middle of focusing element815. Image pixel852includes a first subpixel812A and a second subpixel812B. First subpixel812A is configured to receive RHC polarized light and second subpixel812B is configured to receive LHC polarized light. Microlens842may be configured to focus light to first subpixel812A and a second subpixel812B.

Image pixel array802also includes off-axis pixel851disposed closer to an outside boundary of the image pixel array802than on-axis pixel851. Image pixel851includes a first subpixel811A and a second subpixel811B. First subpixel811A is configured to receive RHC polarized light and second subpixel811B is configured to receive LHC polarized light. Microlens841may be configured to focus light to first subpixel811A and a second subpixel811B.

A contiguous LC-PBP830may be disposed over subpixels811A,811B,812A,812B (and all the image pixels in image pixel array802). LC-PBP830may be configured similarly to LC-PBP230ofFIGS.2A and2Bto direct the RHC light to subpixels811A and812A while directing the LHC light to subpixels811B and812B. In an implementation. In an implementation, first subpixel811A and second subpixel811B of off-axis pixel851has a larger semiconductor substrate size than the first subpixel812A and the second subpixel812B of on-axis pixel852.

FIG.8Billustrates an example on-axis imaging pixel872, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. On-axis imaging pixel872may be an example of pixel852, for example. On-axis imaging pixel872has no microlens shift nor pixel position shift (e.g. pixel1 and pixel2) with respect to PBP891. Microlens876has a refractive index of nm and spacer layer877has a refractive index of nm. The refractive index for nmmay be 1.5, the refractive index for nmmay be 1.5. The angle of incidence θinof imaging light is zero inFIG.8B.

FIG.8Cillustrates an off-axis imaging pixel873where PBP grating892is unable to diffract image light to pixel2. The angle of incidence in air θin_airof imaging light is 30 degrees off axis and the angle of incidence θinon PBP grating892is 19.47 degrees in the example ofFIG.8C. Line862inFIG.8Crepresents the center of the PBP grating.FIG.8Cillustrates that θ−mis 12 degrees and θ+mis 27.3 degrees and consequently, pixel2 does not receive image light.

FIG.8Dillustrates an example off-axis imaging pixel874that may improve the off-axis design of off-axis pixel873, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Off-axis pixel874may be an example of pixel852, for example. Off-axis pixel874has a microlens shift896with respect to a center863of PBP893. Microlens shift896is the dimensions between center863of PBP893and the optical axis867of microlens876.FIG.8Dalso illustrates a pixel position shift897with respect to center863of PBP893. Pixel position shift897is the dimension between center863of PBP893and a dividing line868between pixel1 and pixel2. Microlens876has a refractive index of nmand spacer layer877has a refractive index of nm. The refractive index for ninmay be 1.5, the refractive index for nmmay be 1.5. The thickness of microlens876is d1 and the thickness of spacer877is d2.

Hence,FIG.8Dillustrates the microlens shift896for a particular imaging pixel brings the image light to the center863of PBP893. And, pixel shift897is dimensioned so that the angle of θ−mand θ+mstill allows pixel2 to receive a first diffraction order and pixel1 to receive the second diffraction order of light diffracted by PBP893. In an implementation, dividing line868between the pixel1 and pixel2 is offset from PBP893in a first direction and the optical axis867of a microlens of the imaging pixel874is offset in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. Pixel1 and Pixel2 of off-axis imaging pixel874may be considered subpixels of off-axis imaging pixel874.

FIG.9illustrates an imaging system900that utilizes a patterned PBP lens941to function as a microlens and to direct LHC polarized light and RHC polarized light to different subpixels, in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Imaging system900includes an object810, a focusing element815having a focal length816, and an image pixel array902. Focusing element815focuses image light scattered/reflected from object810to image pixel array902. Image pixel array902includes a plurality of image pixels such as image pixel951. Image pixel951includes a first subpixel911A and a second subpixel911B. A spacer935may be disposed between PBP lens941first subpixel911A and a second subpixel911B.

First subpixel911A is configured to receive RHC polarized light and second subpixel911B is configured to receive LHC polarized light. PBP lens941may be configured to focus image light to subpixels911A and911B while also being configured with the functionality of LC-PBP230ofFIGS.2A and2Bto direct the RHC light to subpixel911A while directing the LHC light to subpixel911B. Hence, an additional refractive microlens layer may not be needed in system900. Although not particularly illustrated, a patterned PBP lens941may be disposed over image pixel array902where the patterned PBP lens941has various regions that are disposed over each image pixel with a one-to-one correspondence.

The term “processing logic” (e.g. processing logic712) in this disclosure may include one or more processors, microprocessors, multi-core processors, Application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) to execute operations disclosed herein. In some embodiments, memories (not illustrated) are integrated into the processing logic to store instructions to execute operations and/or store data. Processing logic may also include analog or digital circuitry to perform the operations in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

A “memory” or “memories” described in this disclosure may include one or more volatile or non-volatile memory architectures. The “memory” or “memories” may be removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Example memory technologies may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), high-definition multimedia/data storage disks, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing device.

Networks may include any network or network system such as, but not limited to, the following: a peer-to-peer network; a Local Area Network (LAN); a Wide Area Network (WAN); a public network, such as the Internet; a private network; a cellular network; a wireless network; a wired network; a wireless and wired combination network; and a satellite network.

Communication channels may include or be routed through one or more wired or wireless communication utilizing IEEE 802.11 protocols, BlueTooth, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), FC (Inter-Integrated Circuit), USB (Universal Serial Port), CAN (Controller Area Network), cellular data protocols (e.g. 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G), optical communication networks, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), a peer-to-peer network, a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a public network (e.g. “the Internet”), a private network, a satellite network, or otherwise.

A computing device may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a phablet, a smartphone, a feature phone, a server computer, or otherwise. A server computer may be located remotely in a data center or be stored locally.