Method for manufacturing detecting element, method for manufacturing imaging device, detecting element, imaging device, and electronic device

A detecting element has an absorbing section where a temperature rises according to an amount of electromagnetic waves which are absorbed and a detecting section where characteristics change according to an amount of heat which is transmitted from the absorbing section. A method for manufacturing the detecting element includes: forming the detecting section on a substrate; forming a protective film which covers the detecting section; forming a hollow space portion in a region which overlaps with the detecting section of the substrate in a planar view after the forming of the protective film; and forming the absorbing section by applying a liquid body, which contains a material constituting the absorbing section, in a region on the protective film on an opposite side from the detection section, which overlaps with the detecting section in a planar view, and solidifying the liquid body after the forming of the hollow space portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-083626 filed on Apr. 2, 2012. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-083626 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a detecting element, a method for manufacturing an imaging device, a detecting element, an imaging device, an electronic device, and the like.

2. Related Art

In the past, pyroelectric detecting elements have been known as one example of a detecting element (for example, refer to Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application Publication No. 2011-203168).

SUMMARY

In the detecting element described in the publication described above, it is possible to detect infrared rays which are one type of electromagnetic wave. In the detecting element, an infrared ray absorbing body emits heat due to the infrared absorber absorbing infrared rays and it is possible to detect infrared rays based on changes in the amount of polarization of a capacitor due to heat.

In such pyroelectric detecting elements, it is preferable that the thickness of the absorbing body which absorbs electromagnetic waves be thick from the point of view of increasing the absorption rate of the electromagnetic waves. However, when the thickness of the absorbing body is increased, it is difficult to secure the thickness of the protective film which covers the absorbing body in order to protect the absorbing body. In other words, when the thickness of the absorbing body is increased, it is easy for the step coverage of the protective film which covers the absorbing body to decrease. When the step coverage decreases, it is easy for the function of protecting the absorbing body to be decreased. As a result, it is easy for productivity and reliability of the detecting element to decrease.

That is, in detecting elements in the related art, there is a problem in that it is difficult to improve productivity and reliability.

The present invention has been made to address at least part of the circumstances described above, and it is possible for the present invention to be achieved as embodiments or application examples described below.

A method according to one aspect is a method for manufacturing a detecting element, which has an absorbing section where a temperature rises according to an amount of electromagnetic waves which are absorbed and a detecting section where characteristics change according to an amount of heat which is transmitted from the absorbing section. The method includes: forming the detecting section on a substrate; forming a protective film which covers the detecting section; forming a hollow space portion in a region which overlaps with the detecting section of the substrate in a planar view after the forming of the protective film; and forming the absorbing section by applying a liquid body, which contains a material constituting the absorbing section, in a region on the protective film on an opposite side from the detection section, which overlaps with the detecting section in a planar view, and solidifying the liquid body after the forming of the hollow space portion.

In the method for manufacturing of the detecting element of this aspect, since the absorbing section is formed after the hollow space portion is formed, it is possible to avoid damaging the absorbing section due to the forming of the hollow space portion. As a result, it is possible to omit the film which protects the absorbing section. As a result, it is possible to easily improve the productivity and reliability of the detecting element.

In the method for manufacturing the detecting element described above, the forming of the absorbing section preferably includes applying the liquid body by discharging the liquid body as liquid droplets.

In this aspect, a method is adopted in the forming of the absorbing section where a liquid body is applied by discharging the liquid body as liquid droplets. In this method, it is easy for the liquid body to be patterned with high precision. As a result, according to this method for manufacturing of the detecting element, it is possible for it to be easy to arrange the absorbing body with high precision.

In the method for manufacturing the detecting element described above, the forming of the detecting section preferably includes forming a first electrode on the substrate, forming a pyroelectric body on the first electrode on an opposite side from the substrate, and forming a second electrode on the pyroelectric body on an opposite side from the first electrode.

In this aspect, it is possible to manufacture a detecting element which has a configuration where a pyroelectric body is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode which face each other.

The method for manufacturing the detecting element described above preferably further includes forming a sacrificial layer on the substrate before the forming of the detecting section. The forming of the detecting section preferably includes forming the detecting section in a region which overlaps with the sacrificial layer of the substrate in a planar view, and the forming of the hollow space portion includes forming the hollow space portion by removing the sacrificial layer.

In this aspect, since the sacrificial layer is removed after the detecting section is formed in a region which overlaps with the sacrificial layer, it is possible to easily form the hollow space portion.

In the method for manufacturing the detecting element described above, the forming of the hollow space portion preferably includes forming a hole which reaches the sacrificial layer in the surroundings of the detecting section, and supplying an etchant from the hole and removing the sacrificial layer.

In this aspect, it is possible to remove the sacrificial layer by supplying the etchant from the hole which reaches the sacrificial layer. In this manufacturing method, it is possible to form the hollow space portion by etching. Then, according to this manufacturing method for the detecting element, it is possible to avoid damaging the absorbing section due to the etching in the forming of the hollow space portion. In addition, according to this manufacturing method, it is possible for it to be easy to avoid the liquid body which coats the protective film flowing into the hollow space portion in the forming of the absorbing section.

A method for manufacturing an imaging device according to another aspect includes arranging a plurality of the detecting elements in bi-axial directions using the method for manufacturing the detecting element described above.

In the manufacturing method for the imaging device of this aspect, since the absorbing section is formed after the hollow space portion is formed in the manufacturing of the detecting element, it is possible to avoid damaging the absorbing section due to the forming of the hollow space portion. As a result, it is possible to omit the film which protects the absorbing section. As a result, it is possible to manufacture an imaging device where it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability of the detecting element.

A detecting element according to another aspect includes a substrate, a detecting section, a wiring layer, a protective film, an absorbing section and a hollow space portion. The detecting section is provided on the substrate, characteristics of the detecting section being changed according to transfer of heat. The wiring layer is provided on the detecting section on an opposite side from the substrate. The wiring layer is electrically connected to the detecting section in a region which overlaps with the detecting section in a planar view, and extends to an outside of the region which overlaps with the detecting section. The protective film is provided on the wiring layer on an opposite side from the detecting section and covering the wiring layer and the detecting section. The absorbing section is provided at the protective film on an opposite side from the substrate, a temperature of the absorbing section being configured to rise according to an amount of electromagnetic waves which are absorbed. The hollow space portion is provided in a region which overlaps with the detecting section of the substrate in a planar view.

In the detecting element of this aspect, since a configuration is adopted where the absorbing section is provided at the outside of the protective film which coats the wiring layer and the detecting section, it is possible to form the absorbing section after forming the hollow space portion. Due to this, it is possible to avoid damaging the absorbing section in the forming of the hollow space portion. As a result, it is possible to omit the film which protects the absorbing section. As a result, it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability of the detecting element.

An imaging device according to another aspect includes a plurality of the detecting elements described above arranged in bi-axial directions.

In the imaging device of this aspect, since the detecting element, where it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability, is arranged, it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability of the imaging device.

An electronic device according to another aspect is provided with the detecting element described above.

Since the electronic device of this aspect has a detecting element where it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability, it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability of the electronic device.

An electronic device according to another aspect is provided with the imaging device described above.

Since the electronic device of the aspect has an imaging device where it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability, it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability of the electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments with a camera, which is one example of an electronic device, as an example will be described with reference to the diagrams.

As shown inFIG. 1, which is a block diagram illustrating main constituent elements, a camera1in the present embodiment includes an optical system3, an imaging unit5, an image processing section7, a control section9, a storage section11, an operation section13, and a display section15. The image processing section7, the control section9, the storage section11, the operation section13, and the display section15are connected to each other through a bus17.

The optical system3images an image of an object on an image plane by taking in electromagnetic waves from the object and collecting the electromagnetic waves from the object on the image plane.

The imaging unit5has an imaging device19which is one example of an electronic device. The imaging device19has a plurality of detecting elements which will be described later. The detecting elements detect electromagnetic waves and output a signal according to the amount of the electromagnetic waves which are detected. The electromagnetic waves from the object which are taken in by the optical system3described above are imaged as an image in the imaging device19. The distribution of the amount of electromagnetic waves in the image which was imaged is detected by the plurality of detecting elements. It is possible for the distribution of the amount of electromagnetic waves in the image which was imaged to be represented as an image.

Here, the imaging unit5outputs the distribution of the amount of electromagnetic waves in the image which was detected by the imaging device19to the image processing section7as image data VD.

The image processing section7performs various types of image processing such as correction processing with regard to the image which is expressed by the image data VD.

The control section9controls the operation of each of the constituent elements in the camera1.

The storage section11stores various types of information. A region which stores the program software where the control procedure of the actions in the camera1is written, a region which temporarily develops various types of data, and the like, are set in the storage section11.

The operation section13is an interface for an operator to operate the camera1and has various types of input buttons, and the like.

The display section15displays an image which is expressed by the image data VD.

According to the camera1which has the constituent elements described above, it is possible to image an object and display the object which is imaged as an image.

Here, in the present embodiment, a detecting element where it is possible to detect infrared rays which are one type of electromagnetic waves is adopted as the detecting element of the imaging device19. Due to this, it is possible to use the camera1in thermography, as a night vision device, and the like.

As shown inFIG. 2which is a block diagram illustrating the main constituent elements, the imaging unit5includes the imaging device19, a selection circuit21, a read out circuit23, an A/D conversion section25, and a control circuit27.

In the imaging device19, a plurality of detecting elements31are provided. The plurality of detecting elements31are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction in the diagram. Then, the plurality of detecting elements31configure a matrix with the X direction as the line direction and the Y direction as the column direction.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of detecting elements31which are lined up along the Y direction configure one element column CL. In addition, the plurality of detecting elements31which are lined up along the X direction configure one element line LN.

In the present embodiment, the imaging device19has n (n is an integer of one or more) of the element lines LN and m (m is an integer of one or more) of the element columns CL. That is, in the present embodiment, the plurality of detecting elements31configures a matrix of n lines×m columns.

Here, below, in a case where n element lines LN are individually identified, the notation of element line LN (i) is used. i is an integer of one or more and n or less. In addition, in a case where m element columns CL are individually identified, the notation of element column CL (j) is used. j is an integer of one or more and m or less.

Here, as shown inFIG. 3which is an equivalent circuit diagram, the imaging device19has n selection lines T and m signal lines S. The n selection lines T are lined up in the Y direction so as to be spaced from each other at intervals. The n selection lines T each extend in the X direction. The m signal lines S are lined up in the X direction so as to be spaced from each other at intervals. The m signal lines S each extend in the Y direction.

The selection lines T are provided for each of the element lines LN. In addition, the signal lines S are provided for each of the element columns CL. That is, one of the element lines LN corresponds to one of the scanning lines T and one of the element columns CL corresponds to one of the signal line S. As a result, below, in a case where n selection lines T are individually identified, the notation of selection line T (i) is used. In addition, in a case where m signal lines S are individually identified, the notation of signal line S (j) is used.

In the present embodiment, the detecting element31has a capacitor37. For each of the element lines LN, one of the electrodes of the capacitor37is electrically connected to the corresponding selection line T. In addition, for each of the element columns CL, the other electrode of the capacitor37is electrically connected to the corresponding signal line S. As a result, it may also be considered that the detecting elements31are provided to correspond to intersections between the selection lines T and the signal lines S.

The selection circuit21which is shown inFIG. 2is electrically connected to each of the selection lines T of the imaging device19. The selection circuit21sequentially outputs selection signals one at a time with regard to the n selection lines T (a selection process). Due to this, in the imaging device19, the n element lines LN are sequentially selected one at a time.

The read out circuit23is electrically connected to each of the signal lines S of the imaging device19. The read out circuit23reads out the detection signal in units of the element lines LN which are selected from the plurality of detecting elements31via the m signal lines S (a reading out process). In the detection signals, signal values are reflected according to the amount of light of the infrared rays which is detected by the detecting elements31.

The A/D conversion section25is electrically connected to the read out circuit23. The A/D conversion section25converts analog data on the detecting signals which are read out by the read out circuit23to image data VD of digital data and outputs the image data VD (an A/D conversion process).

The control circuit27individually controls driving of each of the selection circuit21, the read out circuit23, and the A/D conversion section25. The selection process, read out process and A/D conversion process are controlled by the control circuit27.

As shown inFIG. 4which is a planar diagram, the detecting elements31are provided in an element substrate51.

As shown inFIG. 5which is a cross sectional diagram along the line A-A inFIG. 4, the element substrate51has a substrate53, an intermediate layer55, a protective layer57, a protective layer59, and a support layer61.

For example, the substrate53is configured of glass, quartz, silicon, or the like, and has a first surface53awhich is a surface which faces toward the detecting element31side and a second surface53bwhich is a surface which faces toward the opposite side to the first surface53a. In the present embodiment, silicon is adopted as the material of the substrate53. Below, the first surface53aside of the substrate53is referred to as the upper side and the second surface53bside of the substrate53is referred to as the lower side.

The intermediate layer55is provided on the first surface53aof the substrate53. A concave portion56which is concave toward the first surface53aside (the lower side) is provided on the opposite side (the upper side) to the first surface53aside in the intermediate layer55. For example, it is possible for silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or the like to be adopted as the material of the intermediate layer55. In the present embodiment, silicon oxide is adopted as the material of the intermediate layer55.

The protective layer57is provided on the intermediate layer55on the opposite side to the substrate53side. The protective layer57includes the concave portion56and covers the intermediate layer55on the opposite side to the substrate53side.

The protective layer59is provided on the protective layer57on the opposite side to the intermediate layer55. In the concave portion56, the protective layer59is separated from the protective layer57. In the concave portion56, a hollow space portion63is formed between the protective layer57and the protective layer59.

As the materials of each of the protective layer57and the protective layer59, it is possible to adopt platinum, aluminum, aluminum oxide, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, or the like, or an alloy which includes at least one of these as a component. In the present embodiment, aluminum oxide is adopted as the material of each of the protective layer57and the protective layer59.

The support layer61is provided on the protective layer59on the opposite side to the protective layer57side. For example, it is possible for silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or the like to be adopted as the material of the support layer61. In the present embodiment, a configuration where a layer of silicon oxide and a layer of silicon nitride are laminated is adopted as the support layer61.

The detecting elements31are provided on the support layer61on the opposite side to the protective layer59side. The detecting elements31are provided in the region which overlaps with the hollow space portion63in a planar view on the support layer61on the opposite side to the protective layer59side.

As shown inFIG. 6which is an enlarged diagram of a B portion inFIG. 5, the detecting elements31have the capacitor37, a protective film72, an insulating film73, a first wiring75, a second wiring77, a protective film79, and an absorbing layer81.

The capacitor37is provided on the upper side of the support layer61, and has a first electrode85, a pyroelectric body87, and a second electrode89.

The first electrode85is provided on the upper side of the support layer61. The pyroelectric body87is provided on the first electrode85on the opposite side to the support layer61, that is, the upper side of the first electrode85. The second electrode89is provided on the pyroelectric body87on the opposite side to the first electrode85, that is, the upper side of the pyroelectric body87.

In the present embodiment, as each of the first electrode85and the second electrode89, a configuration is adopted where iridium, iridium oxide, and platinum are laminated in this order.

In addition, it is possible to adopt lead zirconate titanate (PZT), PZTN where niobium (Nb) is added to PZT, or the like as the material of the pyroelectric body87.

The protective film72is provided on the capacitor37on the opposite side to the support layer61side, that is, the upper side of the capacitor37. The protective film72covers the capacitor37from the upper side. As the material of the protective film72, for example, it is possible to adopt platinum, aluminum, aluminum oxide, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, or the like, or an alloy which includes at least one of these as a component. In the present embodiment, aluminum oxide (alumina) is adopted as the material of the protective film72.

The insulating film73is provided on the protective film72on the opposite side to the support layer61side, that is, the upper side of the protective film72. The insulating film73covers the protective film72from the upper side. For example, it is possible for silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or the like to be adopted as the material of the insulating film73.

A contact hole74ais provided in the protective film72and the insulating film73at a site which overlaps with the first electrode85. In addition, a contact hole74bis provided in the insulating film73at a site which overlaps with the second electrode89.

The first wiring75and the second wiring77are each provided on the protective film72on the opposite side to the capacitor37side, that is, the upper side of the protective film72. The first wiring75is electrically connected to the first electrode85through the contact hole74a. The second wiring77is electrically connected to the second electrode89through the contact hole74b. Here, it is possible to adopt a metal such as aluminum as the material of each of the first wiring75and the second wiring77.

The protective film79is provided on the upper side of the first wiring75and the second wiring77and covers the first wiring75, the second wiring77, and the capacitor37from the upper side. As the material of the protective film79, for example, it is possible to adopt platinum, aluminum, aluminum oxide, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, or the like, or an alloy which includes at least one of these as a component. In the present embodiment, aluminum oxide is adopted as the material of the protective film79.

The absorbing layer81is provided in a region, which overlaps with the capacitor37in a planar view, in the upper side of the protective film79. The absorbing layer81has a function where infrared rays, which are incident to the detecting elements31from the upper side of the detecting elements31, are absorbed. In addition to an inorganic material such as silicon oxide and silicon nitride, it is possible to adopt metal materials such as oxides or nitrides of aluminum, titanium aluminum, or the like, organic materials to which carbon black, graphite, infrared ray absorbing dyes, or the like are added, or the like, as the material of the absorbing layer81. Examples of the infrared ray absorbing dyes include anthraquinone based dyes, dithiol nickel complex based dyes, cyanine based dyes, azo cobalt complex based dyes, diimmonium based dyes, squarylium based dyes, phthalocyanine based dyes, naphthalocyanine based dyes, or the like. In the present embodiment, a resin material which contains carbon black is adopted as the material of the absorbing layer81.

As shown inFIG. 5, the first wiring75extends from the region which overlaps with the concave portion56to the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56. The second wiring77also extends from the region which overlaps with the concave portion56to the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56.

A plurality of via wirings91are provided in the imaging device19. In the present embodiment, two via wirings91are provided with regard to one of the detecting elements31. Below, in a case where the two via wirings91which correspond to one of the detecting elements31are each identified, the two via wirings91are respectively given notation as a via wiring91aand a via wiring91b.

The via wiring91ais electrically connected to the first electrode85through the first wiring75. The via wiring91bis electrically connected to the second electrode89through the second wiring77.

The via wiring91ais provided to the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56in a planar view and penetrates the element substrate51from the support layer61to the second surface53bof the substrate53. In addition, the via wiring91bis provided to the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56in a planar view and penetrates the element substrate51from the support layer61to the second surface53bof the substrate53.

Here, as shown inFIG. 4, the detecting elements31are provided in an island section118which is supported by beams117. An opening section119is provided outside the island section118in a region which overlaps with the concave portion56(FIG. 5). The opening section119is linked to the hollow space portion63(FIG. 5).

As shown inFIG. 7which is a cross sectional diagram along the line C-C inFIG. 4, the first wiring75passes through the upper side of one of the beams117and extends from the region which overlaps with the concave portion56to the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56. In the same manner, the second wiring77also passes through the upper side of another of the beams117and extends from the region which overlaps with the concave portion56to the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56.

In the detecting elements31which have the constituent elements described above, the absorbing layer81absorbs infrared rays which are irradiated from the upper side of the detecting elements31. The absorbing layer81which absorbs the infrared rays emits heat according to the amount of infrared rays which are absorbed. The heat which is emitted by the absorbing layer81is transmitted to the capacitor37.

In the capacitor37, the electrical characteristics change according to the heat which is transmitted. According to the change of the electrical characteristics, it is possible to detect the amount of infrared rays. In the present embodiment, the amount of polarization of the pyroelectric body87in the capacitor37changes. That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the amount of infrared rays according to changes in the amount of polarization of the pyroelectric body87which is one example of an electrical characteristic.

A method for manufacturing the imaging device19will be described.

In the method for manufacturing the imaging device19, first, as shown inFIG. 8A, an intermediate layer55ais formed on the first surface53aof the substrate53. It is possible to form the intermediate layer55aby forming a film of silicon oxide using a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 8B, the concave portion56is formed at the intermediate layer55aon the opposite side to the substrate53side. Due to this, it is possible to form the intermediate layer55from the intermediate layer55a. It is possible to form the concave portion56by using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 8C, the protective layer57is formed on the intermediate layer55on the opposite side to the substrate53side, that is, the upper side of the intermediate layer55. It is possible to form the protective layer57by forming a film of aluminum oxide using a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like.

Next, as shown inFIG. 8D, a sacrificial layer127is formed on the protective layer57on the opposite side to the intermediate layer55side, that is, the upper side of the protective layer57. It is possible to form the sacrificial layer127by forming a film of silicon oxide using a CVD method. At this time, the concave portion56is filled in with the sacrificial layer127. In addition, the sacrificial layer127is formed to a thickness which is greater than the depth of the concave portion56.

Next, as shown inFIG. 9A, in the sacrificial layer127, a sacrificial layer127ain the concave portion56is left and another site127bof the sacrificial layer127is removed using a CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 9B, the protective layer59is formed on the protective layer57on the opposite side to the substrate53side, that is, the upper side of the protective layer57. It is possible to form the protective layer59by forming a film of aluminum oxide using a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like.

Next, as shown inFIG. 9C, a support layer61ais formed on the protective layer59on the opposite side to the substrate53side, that is, the upper side of the protective layer59. It is possible to form the support layer61aby forming a film where a layer of silicon oxide and a layer of silicon nitride are laminated using a CVD method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 9D, a via hole129aand a via hole129bare formed at the outside of the region which overlaps with the concave portion56in a planar view. The via hole129aand the via hole129beach penetrate from the support layer61ato the second surface53bof the substrate53. It is possible to form each of the via hole129aand the via hole129bby using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, an insulating film which is not shown in the diagram is formed by silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or the like using a CVD method on each of the side surfaces of the inner sides of the via hole129aand the via hole129b

Next, the via wiring91aand the via wiring91bare respectively formed by filling metal such as aluminum into the via hole129aand the via hole129b.

Next, a pad93aand a pad93bare formed on the second surface53bof the substrate53. It is possible to form each of the pad93aand the pad93bby using a sputtering method, a photolithography method, or an etching method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 10A, the capacitor37is formed on the upper side of the support layer61a.

In the forming of the capacitor37, first, a metal film which configures the first electrode85is formed on the upper side of the support layer61ausing a sputtering method.

Next, a film is formed by applying and heating a substance which is formed of the material of the pyroelectric body87on the upper side of the first electrode85.

Next, a metal film which configures the second electrode89is formed on the upper side of the film which is formed with the material of the pyroelectric body87using a sputtering method.

Next, the film which is formed of the material of the pyroelectric body87and the metal film which configures the second electrode89which is formed on the upper side of the film are patterned using a photolithography method or an etching method. Due to this, the pyroelectric body87and the second electrode89are formed. Next, it is possible to form the first electrode85by patterning the metal film which configures the first electrode85using a photolithography method or an etching method. According to the description above, it is possible to form the capacitor37.

Next, as shown inFIG. 10B, the protective film72is formed on the upper side of the capacitor37. It is possible to form the protective film72by forming a film of aluminum oxide which covers the capacitor37using a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like and then patterning the film of aluminum oxide using a photolithography method and an etching method.

Next, the insulating film73is formed on the upper side of the protective film72. It is possible to form the insulating film73by forming a film which covers the protective film72using the CVD method and then patterning the film using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 10C, the contact hole74aand the contact hole74bare formed in the protective film72and the insulating film73. It is possible to form each of the contact hole74aand the contact hole74busing a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 11A, the first wiring75and the second wiring77are formed. It is possible to form the first wiring75and the second wiring77by forming a metal film using a sputtering method and then patterning the metal film using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 11B, the opening section119is formed in the support layer61a. Here,FIG. 11Bcorresponds to a cross section along line C-C inFIG. 4. Due to this, the opening section119and the beams117are formed and the support layer61is formed from the support layer61a. It is possible to form the opening section119by using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, as shown inFIG. 11C, the protective film79which covers the first wiring75, the second wiring77and the capacitor37is formed on the upper side of the first wiring75and the second wiring77. It is possible to form the protective film79by forming a film of aluminum oxide using a CVD method, a sputtering method, or the like and then patterning the film of aluminum oxide using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, the sacrificial layer127a(FIG. 11C) inside the concave portion56is removed. Due to this, it is possible to form the hollow space portion63. It is possible to remove the sacrificial layer127aby using a photolithography method or an etching method.

Next, the absorbing layer81is formed on the upper side of the protective film79in the region which overlaps with the capacitor37in a planar view.

In the forming of the absorbing layer81, first, as shown inFIG. 12, a liquid body81awhich contains the material of the absorbing layer81is applied on the upper side of the protective film79. In the applying of the liquid body81a, it is possible to use an ink jet method where a discharging head141is used.

A technique, where the liquid body81ais discharged from the discharging head141as liquid droplets81b, is referred to as an ink jet technique. Then, a method where the liquid body81aor the like is arranged in a predetermined position using the ink jet technique is referred to as an ink jet method. The ink jet method is an applying method.

In the present embodiment, the liquid body81acontains the material of the absorbing layer81, a resin material, and a solvent. As the resin material, for example, it is possible to adopt a material which is cured by applying energy such as light or heat.

Following the applying of the liquid body81a, the liquid body81ais cured by applying energy such as light or heat to the liquid body81a. Due to this, it is possible to form the absorbing layer81which is shown inFIG. 6. According to the description above, it is possible to manufacture the imaging device19which is shown inFIG. 5.

Here, it is possible for it to be easy to increase the height of the liquid body81ain the upper side of the protective film79by carrying out a liquid repellent treatment on the upper side of the protective film79before the liquid body81ais applied on the upper side of the protective film79. Here, the liquid repellent treatment is a treatment of increasing the liquid repellency with regard to the liquid body81a. Since it is possible to increase the height of the liquid body81ain the upper side of the protective film79by performing the liquid repellent treatment, it is possible to increase the thickness of the absorbing layer81. Due to this, it is possible for it to be easy to increase the absorption rate of the electromagnetic waves in the absorbing layer81.

In the present embodiment, the absorbing layer81corresponds to the absorbing section, the capacitor37corresponds to the detecting section, and the protective film79corresponds to the protective film.

In the present embodiment, since the absorbing layer81is formed after forming the hollow space portion63, it is possible to avoid damaging the absorbing layer81in the forming of the hollow space portion63. As a result, it is possible to omit the film, which protects the absorbing layer81, in the detecting elements31. As a result, it is possible for it to be easy to improve the productivity and reliability of the detecting elements31.

Driving Support Device

A driving support device which is one example of an electronic device which uses the camera1will be described.

As shown inFIG. 13which is a block diagram which shows the main constituent elements, a driving support device400in the present embodiment has a processing unit211, the camera1, a yaw rate sensor213, a vehicle speed sensor215, a brake sensor217, a speaker219, and a display device221.

The processing unit211has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which controls the driving support device400.

The camera1detects infrared rays in a predetermined imaging region outside the vehicle.

The yaw rate sensor213detects the yaw rate of the vehicle.

The vehicle speed sensor215detects the running speed of the vehicle.

The brake sensor217detects the presence or absence of a brake operation by a driver.

For example, the processing unit211detects targets such as objects, pedestrians, and the like which exist in the periphery of the vehicle, based on an infrared image of the surroundings of the vehicle which is obtained by the imaging of the camera1. Then, based on the detection result of the target and the detection signal according to the running state of the vehicle which is detected by the yaw rate sensor213, the vehicle speed sensor215, and the brake sensor217, a warning is output through the speaker219and the display device221when it is determined that there is a possibility that the vehicle will come into contact with the target.

Here, as shown inFIG. 14, the camera1is arranged in the vicinity of the center in the vehicle width direction in the front section of the vehicle223. It is possible for the display device221to adopt a configuration which has an HUD (Head Up Display)225or the like which displays various types of information in a position in the front window which does not interfere with the forward visibility of the driver.

Security Device

A security device which is one example of an electronic device which uses the camera1will be described.

As shown inFIG. 15which is a block diagram which shows the main constituent elements, a security device410in the present embodiment has the camera1, a motion sensor231(human detection sensor), a movement detection processing section233, a motion sensor detection processing section235, an image compression section237, a communication processing section239, and a control section241.

The camera1images a monitoring area.

The motion sensor231detects an intruder entering into the monitoring area.

The movement detection processing section233detects a moving object which has entered into the monitoring area by processing the image data which is output from the camera1.

The motion sensor detection processing section235performs a detection process of the motion sensor231.

The image compression section237compresses the image data which is output from the camera1using a predetermined method.

The communication processing section239performs transmission of image data which has been compressed, intruder detection image data and the like, and reception of various types of information and the like from external devices to the security device410.

The control section241has a CPU which performs the setting of conditions, the process command transmission, and the response processing with regard to each of the processing sections of the security device410.

The movement detection processing section233is provided with a buffer memory which is not shown in the diagram, a block data smoothing section where the output from the buffer memory is input, and a state change detecting section where the output from the block data smoothing section is input. Then, the state change detecting section of the movement detection processing section233detects changes in the state by using that differences are generated in the image data between frames when there is a change in state (a moving object enters) while image data is the same even in different frames which are imaged using video if the monitoring area is in a stationary state.

As shown inFIG. 16, the camera1and the motion sensor231are provided in the security device410under an eave. Then, the camera1images a monitoring area243and the motion sensor231detects an intruder into a detection area245.

Game Device

A game device which is one example of an electronic device which uses the camera1will be described.

As shown inFIG. 17, a game device420in the present embodiment has a controller251, a body253, a display255, an LED module257, and an LED module258. With the game device420, it is possible for a player259to play a game by gripping the controller251in one hand.

As shown inFIG. 18, the controller251has an imaging information calculation unit261, an operation switch263, an acceleration sensor265, a connector267, a processor269, and a wireless module271.

The imaging information calculation unit261has the camera1, and an image processing circuit273for processing image data which was imaged by the camera1.

The image processing circuit273detects a portion with a high brightness by processing infrared image data which was obtained from the camera1, detects the center positions and the areas thereof, and outputs the data.

The processor269outputs operation data from the operation switch263, acceleration data from the acceleration sensor265, and high brightness portion data as a series of control data. The wireless module271modulates the carrier wave of a predetermined frequency using control data, and outputs the result as a radio signal from an antenna275.

Here, data which is input through the connector267which is provided in the controller251is also processed in the same manner as the data described above by the processor269, and is output as control data through the wireless module271and the antenna275.

In the game device420, when the camera1of the controller251faces a screen277of the display255, the camera1detects infrared rays which are output from two of the LED module257and the LED module258which are arranged in the vicinity of the display255. Then, the controller251acquires the positions and area information of the two of the LED module257and the LED module258as information of points of high brightness. The data on the positions and the sizes of the bright points are transmitted to the body253from the controller251in a wireless manner and received by the body253. When the player259moves the controller251, the data on the positions and sizes of the bright points changes. Using the above, it is possible for the body253to acquire an operation signal which corresponds to the movement of the controller251. Then, it is possible for the game device420to proceed with the game according to the operation signal.

Body Temperature Measurement Device

A body temperature measurement device which is one example of an electronic device which uses the camera1will be described.

As shown inFIG. 19, a body temperature measurement device430in the present embodiment has the camera1, a body temperature analyzing device281, an information communication device283, and a cable285.

The camera1images a predetermined target region and transmits image information of a target person287who has been imaged to the body temperature analyzing device281through the cable285.

The body temperature analyzing device281includes an image reading out and processing unit288and a body temperature analysis processing unit289. The image reading out and processing unit288reads a heat distribution image from the camera1. The body temperature analysis processing unit289forms a body temperature analysis table based on the data from the image reading out and processing unit288and an image analysis setting table.

The body temperature analysis processing unit289transmits data for body temperature information transmission based on the body temperature analysis table to the information communication device283. The data for body temperature information transmission may include predetermined data which corresponds to abnormal body temperatures. In addition, in a case where it is determined that a plurality of target persons287are included within the target region, information of the number of target persons287and the number of persons with abnormal body temperatures may be included in the data for body temperature information transmission.

Specific Substance Detecting Device

A specific substance detecting device which is one example of an electronic device which uses the camera1will be described.

As shown inFIG. 20, a specific substance detecting device440in the present embodiment has the camera1, a control unit291, a light irradiation unit293, an optical filter295, and a display section297. With the specific substance detecting device440, the wavelength range of the infrared rays which are absorbed by the absorbing layer81of the detecting element31is set in the terahertz range in the imaging device19of the camera1.

The control unit291includes a system controller which performs control of the entirety of the specific substance detecting device440. The system controller controls a light source driving section and an image processing unit which are included in the control unit291.

The light irradiation unit293includes a laser device and an optical system which emit terahertz light which is an electromagnetic wave where the wavelength is in the range of 100 μm to 1000 μm and irradiates the terahertz light to a person298who is the target of investigation. The terahertz light which is reflected from the person298is received in the camera1through the optical filter295, where only light of a spectrum of a specific substance299which is a detection target, passes through.

The image signal which is generated by the camera1is subjected to predetermined image processing in an image processing unit of the control unit291, and the image signal is output to the display section297. Then, since the intensity of the received light signal is different according to whether or not the specific substance299exists within the clothes or the like of the person298, it is possible to distinguish the existence of the specific substance299.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS