Patent Publication Number: US-2022239849-A1

Title: Imaging device and electronic apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an imaging device that performs imaging by performing a photoelectric conversion, and to an electronic apparatus provided with the imaging device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     To date, the Applicant has proposed an imaging device in which electric charge converted from incident light by a photoelectric conversion section is read out after temporarily holding the electric charge in an electric charge accumulation section (for example, see Patent Literature 1). 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-168566 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Incidentally, what is demanded for such an imaging device is to suppress an entry of unnecessary light between adjacent pixel regions. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an imaging device that makes it possible to exhibit more superior imaging performance and an electronic apparatus provided with the imaging device. 
     An imaging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a semiconductor layer, a pixel separation section, a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections, and a plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections. The semiconductor layer has a surface that extends in an in-plane direction, and a back face positioned on an opposite side of the surface in a thickness direction that is orthogonal to the in-plane direction. The pixel separation section extends from the surface to the back face in the thickness direction, and separates the semiconductor layer into a plurality of pixel regions in the in-plane direction. The plurality of photoelectric conversion sections is respectively provided in the plurality of pixel regions of the semiconductor layer separated by the pixel separation section, and is each configured to generate, by a photoelectric conversion, electric charge corresponding to a light amount of incident light from the back face. The plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections is respectively provided in a plurality of gap regions, in which the plurality of gap regions is disposed in the in-plane direction between the plurality of photoelectric conversion sections and the pixel separation section out of the plurality of pixel regions, and the plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections respectively accumulates the electric charges generated by the respective plurality of photoelectric conversion sections, and respectively converts the accumulated electric charges into electric signals and outputs the converted electric signals. 
     An electronic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with the imaging device described above. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a sensor pixel in the imaging device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan diagram schematically illustrating a plan configuration of a portion of the sensor pixel in the imaging device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the sensor pixel illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an example of an image signal generation process according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan diagram schematically illustrating a plan configuration of a sensor pixel as a first modification example according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is a plan diagram illustrating a wiring line pattern in a first layer of the sensor pixel illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7B  is a plan diagram illustrating a wiring line pattern in a second layer of the sensor pixel illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7C  is a plan diagram illustrating a wiring line pattern in a third layer of the sensor pixel illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7D  is a plan diagram illustrating a wiring line pattern in a fourth layer of the sensor pixel illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a plan diagram schematically illustrating a plan configuration of a sensor pixel as a second modification example according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a sensor pixel as a third modification example according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a sensor pixel as a fourth modification example according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  is a plan diagram schematically illustrating a plan configuration of a sensor pixel as a fifth modification example according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of the sensor pixel illustrated in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of entire configuration of an electronic apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram depicting an example of schematic configuration of a vehicle control system. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram of assistance in explaining an example of installation positions of an outside-vehicle information detecting section and an imaging section. 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating a first modification example of the imaging device according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a second modification example of the imaging device according to the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     In the following, some embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order.
     1. Embodiment   

     An example of a solid-state imaging device in which an electric charge voltage conversion section is disposed at a peripheral part of each pixel region separated by a light-blocking wall that penetrates a semiconductor layer in a thickness direction.
     2. First Modification Example   

     An example in which a layout of each component in a gap region of each pixel region is changed.
     3. Second Modification Example   

     Another example in which a layout of each component in a gap region of each pixel region is changed.
     4. Third Modification Example   

     An example in which a scattering structure that scatters incident light is provided in the vicinity of a surface of the semiconductor layer.
     5. Fourth Modification Example   

     An example in which a trench gate that joins a photoelectric conversion section and a transfer transistor is further provided.
     6. Fifth Modification Example   

     An example in which a horizontal light-blocking film is further provided between the photoelectric conversion section and the electric charge voltage conversion section.
     7. Example of Application to Electronic Apparatus   8. Example of Application to Mobile Body   9. Other Modification Examples   

     &lt;1. Embodiment&gt; 
     [Configuration of Solid-State Imaging Device  101 ] 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a function of a solid-state imaging device  101  according to an embodiment of the present technology. 
     The solid-state imaging device  101  is a so-called backside illumination image sensor of a global shutter type, such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The solid-state imaging device  101  receives light from a subject, photoelectrically converts the light, and generates an image signal, thereby performing imaging of an image. 
     The global shutter type is basically a type of performing a global exposure, in which an exposure of entire pixels is started together and the exposure of the entire pixels is ended together. Here, the entire pixels mean all of the pixels of a portion appearing in an image, and dummy pixels and the like are excluded. In addition, the global shutter type also includes a type of moving a region where the global exposure is to be performed while the global exposure is performed in units of a plurality of rows (e.g., several tens of rows) instead of performing the global exposure on the entire pixels together, as long as a time difference or a distortion of an image is small enough not to cause a problem. Also included in the global shutter type is a type of performing the global exposure on pixels in a predetermined region instead of performing the global exposure on all of the pixels of the portion appearing in the image. 
     The backside illumination image sensor refers to an image sensor having a configuration in which a photoelectric conversion section such as a photodiode that receives light from a subject and converts the light into an electric signal is provided between a light-receiving surface on which the light from the subject is incident and a wiring line layer provided with wiring lines such as transistors that drive respective pixels. 
     The solid-state imaging device  101  includes, for example, a pixel array section  111 , a vertical driving section  112 , a column signal processing section  113 , a data storage section  119 , a horizontal driving section  114 , a system control section  115 , and a signal processing section  118 . 
     In the solid-state imaging device  101 , the pixel array section  111  is formed on a semiconductor substrate  11  (described later). Peripheral circuits such as the vertical driving section  112 , the column signal processing section  113 , the data storage section  119 , the horizontal driving section  114 , the system control section  115 , and the signal processing section  118  are formed on the same semiconductor substrate  11  as the pixel array section  111 , for example. 
     The pixel array section  111  has a plurality of sensor pixels  110  including a photoelectric conversion section (described later) that generates and accumulates electric charge corresponding to an amount of light entered from the subject. The sensor pixels  110  are arranged in each of a lateral direction (a row direction) and a vertical direction (a column direction) as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . In the pixel array section  111 , a pixel driving line  116  is wired along the row direction for each pixel row configured by the sensor pixels  110  arranged in a row in the row direction, and a vertical signal line (VSL)  117  is wired along the column direction for each pixel column configured by the sensor pixels  110  arranged in a row in the column direction. 
     The vertical driving section  112  is configured by a shift register or an address decoder. The vertical driving section  112  supplies a signal and the like to each of the plurality of sensor pixels  110  via the plurality of pixel driving lines  116 , thereby driving all of the plurality of sensor pixels  110  in the pixel array section  111  together, or driving the plurality of sensor pixels on a pixel row basis. 
     The vertical driving section  112  has, for example, two scanning systems of a read-out scanning system and a sweep scanning system. The read-out scanning system selectively scans unit pixels of the pixel array section  111  row by row in order to read out signals from the unit pixels. The sweep scanning system performs, on a read-out row on which a read-out scanning is to be performed by the read-out scanning system, a sweep scanning prior to the read-out scanning by the duration of a shutter speed. 
     The sweep scanning of the sweep scanning system sweeps unnecessary electric charge from the photoelectric conversion sections  51  of the unit pixels of the read-out row (described later). This is called a reset. Then, by the sweeping of the unnecessary electric charge by the sweep scanning system, i.e., the reset, a so-called electronic shutter operation is performed. Here, the electronic shutter operation refers to an operation of discarding photoelectric charge of the photoelectric conversion sections  51  and newly starting the exposure, that is, newly starting the accumulation of the photoelectric charge. 
     The signals read by the read-out operation by the read-out scanning system correspond to an amount of light that has entered during the immediately preceding read-out operation or on or after the electronic shutter operation. A period from a read-out timing by the immediately preceding read-out operation or a sweeping timing by the electronic shutter operation to a read-out timing by the current read-out operation is an accumulation time of the photoelectric charge in the unit pixels, that is, an exposure time. 
     The signals outputted from the respective unit pixels of the pixel row selected and scanned by the vertical driving section  112  are supplied to the column signal processing section  113  via each of the vertical signal lines  117 . The column signal processing section  113  performs a predetermined signal process on the signals outputted via the VSLs  117  from the respective unit pixels of the selected rows, for each pixel column of the pixel array section  111 , and temporarily holds pixel signals having been subjected to the signal process. 
     Specifically, the column signal processing section  113  is configured by, for example, a shift register or an address decoder, and performs a noise removal process, a correlated double-sampling process, an A/D (Analog/Digital) conversion A/D conversion process of the analog pixel signals, and the like to generate the digital pixel signals. The column signal processing section  113  supplies the generated pixel signals to the signal processing section  118 . 
     The horizontal driving section  114  is configured by a shift register, an address decoder, or the like, and selects, in order, unit circuits corresponding to the pixel column of the column signal processing section  113 . By the selective scanning by the horizontal driving section  114 , the pixel signal having been subjected to the signal process for each unit circuit by the column signal processing section  113  is outputted in order to the signal processing section  118 . 
     The system control section  115  is configured by, for example, a timing generator that generates various timing signals. The system control section  115  performs drive controls of the vertical driving section  112 , the column signal processing section  113 , and the horizontal driving section  114  on the basis of the timing signals generated by the timing generator. 
     The signal processing section  118  performs a signal process such as an arithmetic process on the pixel signals supplied from the column signal processing section  113  while temporarily holding data in the data storage section  119  on an as-necessary basis, and outputs an image signal configured by each of the pixel signals. 
     The data storage section  119  temporarily holds data necessary for the signal process upon the signal process by the signal processing section  118 . 
     [Configuration of Sensor Pixel  110 ] 
     (Example of Circuit Configuration) 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 2 , an example of a circuit configuration of the sensor pixel  110  provided in the pixel array section  111  illustrated in  FIG. 1A  will be described.  FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a circuit configuration of any one of the plurality of sensor pixels  110  provided in the pixel array section  111 . 
     In an example illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the sensor pixel  110  achieves an FD-type global shutter. In the example of  FIG. 2 , the sensor pixel  110  in the pixel array section  111  includes, for example, the photoelectric conversion section (PD)  51 , an electric charge transfer section (TG)  52 , a floating diffusion (FD)  53  as an electric charge retaining section and an electric charge voltage conversion section, a reset transistor (RST)  54 , a feedback enable transistor (FBEN)  55 , a discharge transistor (OFG)  56 , an amplification transistor (AMP)  57 , a selection transistor (SEL)  58 , and the like. 
     Further, in this example, the TG  52 , the FD  53 , the RST  54 , the FBEN  55 , the OFG  56 , the AMP  57 , and the SEL  58  are each an N-type MOS transistor. Drive signals are supplied to respective gate electrodes of the TG  52 , the FD  53 , the RST  54 , the FBEN  55 , the OFG  56 , the AMP  57 , and the SEL  58 . The drive transistors are each a pulse signal in which a high level state is an active state, i.e., an ON state and a low level state is a non-active state, i.e., an OFF state. It should be noted that, hereinafter, placing the drive signal into the active state is also referred to as turning on the drive signal, and placing the drive signal into the non-active state is also referred to as turning off the drive signal. 
     The PD  51  is a photoelectric conversion element configured by, for example, a PN-junction photodiode. The PD  51  receives light from the subject, generates electric charge corresponding to an amount of received light by a photoelectric conversion, and accumulates the electric charge. 
     The TG  52  is coupled between the PD  51  and the FD  53 , and transfers the electric charge accumulated in the PD  51  to the FD  53  in response to the drive signal applied to the gate electrode of the TG  52 . 
     The FD  53  is a region that temporarily holds the electric charge accumulated in the FD  51 , in order to achieve a global shutter function. The FD  53  is also a floating diffusion region that converts the electric charge transferred from the PD  51  via the TG  52  into an electric signal (e.g., a voltage signal) and outputs the electric signal. The RST  54  is coupled to the FD  53 , and the VSL  117  is coupled to the FD  53  via the AMP  57  and the SEL  58 . 
     The RST  54  has a drain coupled to the FBEN  55  and a source coupled to the FD  53 . The RST  54  initializes, i.e., resets, the FD  53  in response to the drive signal applied to its gate electrode. It should be noted that, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the drain of the RST  54  forms a parasitic capacitance C_ ST  between the drain thereof and the ground, and forms a parasitic capacitance C_ FB  between the drain thereof and the gate electrode of the AMP  57 . 
     The FBEN  55  controls a reset voltage to be applied to the RST  54 . 
     The OFG  56  has a drain coupled to a power source VDD and a source coupled to the PD  51 . A cathode of the PD  51  is commonly coupled to a source of the OFG  56  and a source of the TG  52 . The OFG  56  initializes, i.e., resets, the PD  51  in response to the drive signal applied to its gate electrode. The reset of the PD  51  means depleting the PD  51 . 
     The AMP  57  has the gate electrode coupled to the FD  53  and a drain coupled to the power source VDD, and serves as an input section of a source follower circuit that reads out the electric charge obtained by the photoelectric conversion at the PD  51 . That is, a source of the AMP  57  is coupled to the VSL  117  via the SEL  58 , whereby the AMP  57  configures the source follower circuit together with a constant current source coupled to one end of the VSL  117 . 
     The SEL  58  is coupled between the source of the AMP  57  and the VSL  117 , and a selection signal is supplied to the gate electrode of the SEL  58 . The SEL  58  is placed into an electric conduction state when its selection signal is turned on, and the sensor pixel  110  in which the SEL  58  is provided is placed into a selected state. When the sensor pixel  110  is placed into the selected state, the pixel signal outputted from the AMP  57  is read out by the column signal processing section  113  via the VSL  117 . 
     In addition, in the pixel array section  111 , the plurality of pixel driving lines  116  is wired, for example, for each pixel row. Further, the respective drive signals are supplied from the vertical driving section  112  to the selected sensor pixels  110  via the plurality of pixel driving lines  116 . 
     It should be noted that the pixel circuit illustrated in  FIG. 2  is an example of the pixel circuit usable for the pixel array section  111 , and it is possible to use a pixel circuit having another configuration. 
     (Plan Configuration Example and Cross-Sectional Configuration Example) 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an example of a plan configuration and an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the sensor pixel  110  provided in the pixel array section  111  of  FIG. 1A  will be described.  FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a plan configuration of one of the plurality of sensor pixels  110  structuring the pixel array section  111 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration of one sensor pixel  110 , which corresponds to a cross-section taken along the IV-IV cutting line illustrated in  FIG. 3  and as seen in an arrow direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pixel array section  111  has PD  51  embedded in the semiconductor substrate  11  extending in, for example, an X-Y plane, and a pixel separation section  12  provided to surround the PD  51  in the semiconductor substrate  11 . The semiconductor substrate  11  is formed by a semiconductor material such as Si (silicon), and has a surface  11 A extending in the X-Y plane and a back face  11 B positioned on an opposite side of the surface  11 A in a Z-axis direction that is a thickness direction orthogonal to the X-Y plane. For example, a color filter CF and an on-chip lens LNS are stacked in this order on the back face  11 B. The pixel separation section  12  is a physical separation wall that extends from the surface  11 A to the back face  11 B in the thickness direction and that separates the semiconductor substrate  11  into a plurality of pixel regions R 110  in the X-Y plane. 
     It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the semiconductor substrate  11  is, for example, of a P-type (a first conductivity type), and the PD  51  is of an N-type (a second conductivity type). 
     The sensor pixel  110  is formed one by one in one pixel region R 110  partitioned by the pixel separation section  12 . The adjacent sensor pixels  110  are electrically separated from each other, optically separated from each other, or optically and electrically separated from each other by the pixel separation section  12 . The pixel separation section  12  may be formed by a single layer film or a multi-layer film of an insulator such as a silicon oxide (SiO 2 ), a tantalum oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), a hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ), or an aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), for example. Further, the pixel separation section  12  may be formed by a stack of a single layer film or a multilayer film of an insulator such as a tantalum oxide, a hafnium oxide, or an aluminum oxide, and a silicon oxide film. It is possible for the pixel separation section  12  formed by the insulator described above to optically and electrically separate the sensor pixels  110 . The pixel separation section  12  configured by such an insulator is also referred to as RDTI (Rear Deep Trench Isolation). In addition, the pixel separation section  12  may include a void therein. Even in such a case, it is possible for the pixel separation section  12  to optically and electrically separate the sensor pixels  110 . Further, the pixel separation section  12  may be formed by a metal having a light-blocking property, such as tantalum (Ta), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or copper (Cu), for example. In this case, it is possible to optically separate the sensor pixels  110 . Further, polysilicon (Polycrystalline Silicon) may be used as a constituent material of the pixel separation section  12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the pixel region R 110  of each of the sensor pixels  110  includes, in addition to the photoelectric conversion section (PD)  51 , a first active region AR 1  and a second active region AR 2  coupled to the PD  51 . The pixel region R 110  has a rectangular, preferably square, outer edge including L 12 A to L 12 D within the X-Y plane. The PD  51  has a substantially rectangular outer edge including straight parts L 51 A to L 51 D respectively opposed to the straight parts L 12 A to L 12 D in the X-Y plane. Both the first active region AR 1  and the second active region AR 2  are provided in a gap region GR between the PD  51  and the pixel separation section  12 . 
     The first active region AR 1  is provided with, for example, the TG  52 , the FD  53 , the RST  54 , the FBEN  55 , and the like. The TG  52  is provided in a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 A and the straight part L 12 A. However, a portion of the TG  52  is coupled to the PD  51  at a first connection point P 1 . In addition, the RST  54  and the IBEN  55  are provided in a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 D and the straight part L 12 D, for example. Further, the FD  53  is provided from a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 A and the straight part L 12 A to a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 D and the straight part L 12 D. 
     The second active region AR 2  is provided with, for example, the OFG  56 , the AMP  57 , the SEL  58 , and the like. It should be noted that a drain D is shared by the OFG  56  and the AMP  57 . The OFG  56  is provided in a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 B and the straight part L 12 B. However, a portion of the OFG  56  is coupled to the PD  51  at a second connection point P 2 . In addition, the AMP  57  and the SEL  58  are provided in a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 C and the straight part L  12 C. Further, the drain D is provided from a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 B and the straight part L 12 B to a portion of the gap region GR sandwiched between the straight part L 51 C and the straight part L 12 C. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the FD  53  is provided between the surface  11 A and the PD  51  in the thickness direction (the Z-axis direction). 
     In addition, the solid-state imaging device  101  receives, for example, visible light from the subject to perform the imaging. However, the solid-state imaging device  101  is not limited thereto, and may receive, for example, infrared light to perform the imaging. In such a case, the sensor pixel  110  has a ratio of a thickness Z 110  to a width W 110  along the X-Y plane, i.e., an aspect ratio of, for example, three or greater. More specifically, for example, the thickness Z 110  is 8.0 μm where the width W 110  is 2.2 μm. The relatively high aspect ratio in this manner results in better optical and electrical separations between the sensor pixels  110 , for example. 
     Further, in the sensor pixel  110 , one or more well contacts  59  such as copper are coupled to the gap region GR of the pixel region R 110  which is other than a region in which the PD  51  is formed. In the pixel array section  111 , the semiconductor substrate  11  in each pixel region R 110  is partitioned for each sensor pixel  110  by the pixel separation section  12  and is thus electrically isolated. For this reason, a potential of the semiconductor substrate  11  in each pixel region R 110  is stabilized by the connection of the well contact  59 . 
     [Image Signal Generation Process of Solid-State Imaging Device  101 ] 
       FIG. 5  is a time chart illustrating an example of an image signal generation process in the solid-state imaging device  101 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the image signal generation process of the sensor pixels  110  disposed from the first row to the third row in the pixel array section  111 . In  FIG. 5 , a basic signal represents a basic signal to be supplied to the column signal processing section  113 . In the basic signal, a broken line represents a potential at 0 V of the basic signal. S 52  and S 54  to S 58  represent respective control signals to be inputted to the TG  52 , the RST  54 , the FBEN  55 , the OFG  56 , the AMP  57 , and the SEL  58 . These are distinguished by giving row number because the control signal different for each row is inputted. For example, S 58 - 1  to S 58 - 3  represent the respective control signals to be inputted to the gate electrodes of the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row. Further, image signals in  FIG. 5  represent waveforms of the image signals to be outputted from the sensor pixels  110 . These image signals are also distinguished by giving the row number. 
     At a time T 0 , a second basic signal is supplied to the column signal processing section  113 . The supply of the second basic signal continues to a time T 6 . Further, at the time T 0 , ON signals are inputted as the control signals S 56 - 1  to S 56 - 3 , and the respective OFGs  56  become electrically conductive in the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row to reset the PDs  51 . Thereafter, the inputting of the ON signals to the respective OFGs  56  in the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row is stopped at a time Ti. This starts the exposure. That is, the PDs  51  start holding the generated electric charge in the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row. 
     From a time T 2  to a time T 3 , the ON signals are inputted as the control signals S 52  to the TGs  52  of all the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the pixel array section  111 , and all the TGs  52  become electrically conductive. As a result, the electric charge held in the PDs  51  are transferred to the respective FDs  56 . 
     At the time T 3 , the inputting of the ON signals to the TGs  52  of the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row is stopped. At the same time, the ON signals are inputted to the respective OFGs  56  of the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row. As a result, the exposure is stopped. It should be noted that the inputting of the ON signals to the respective OFGs  56  of the sensor pixels  110  from the first row to the third row is continued until a time T 22 . Further, at the time T 3 , the ON signal to the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the first row is inputted, and the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the first row is placed into an electric conduction state. It should be noted that the inputting of the ON signal to the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the first row is continued until a time T 9 . Next, a reference signal is generated from a time T 4  to a time T 5 , and an analog-to-digital conversion of the image signals is performed. 
     At the time T 6 , the ON signals are inputted as the control signal S 55  and the control signal S 54  to the respective FBEN  55  and RST  54  in the sensor pixels  110  in the first row, and the FBEN  55  and the RST  54  are placed into an electric conduction state. At the same time, the ON signal is supplied to the column signal processing section  113  as a first basic signal. The supply of the first basic signal is continued until a time T 7 . As a result, the reset is performed on the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the first row. 
     Next, at the time T 7 , the inputting of the ON signal to the RST  54  is stopped. At the same time, a supply of a second basic signal is started for the column signal processing section  113 . It should be noted that the supply of the second basic signal is continued until a time T 12 . Thereafter, the inputting of the ON signal to the FBEN  55  is stopped at a time T 8 . The foregoing completes the processes of the analog-to-digital conversion of the image signals and the reset in the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the first row. 
     Next, at the time T 9 , the inputting of the ON signals to the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the first row is stopped, and the ON signals are inputted to the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the second row. Thereafter, until a time T 15 , processes similar those from the time T 3  to the time T 9  are performed for the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the second row. 
     Next, at the time T 15 , the inputting of the ON signals to the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the second row is stopped, and the ON signals are inputted to the SELs  58  of the sensor pixels  110  in the third row. Thereafter, until a time T 21 , processes similar those from the time T 9  to the time T 15  are performed for the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the third row. 
     From the time T 21  to a time T 23 , processes similar to those from the time T 3  to the time t 9  are performed for the sensor pixels  110  disposed in all the rows, and the image signals corresponding to one screen are acquired from the pixel array section  111  and the reset of all the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the pixel array section  111  is completed. In addition, the inputting of the ON signals to the respective OFGs  56  of the sensor pixel  110  from the first row to the third row is stopped, and the exposure is newly started (a time T 22 ). 
     From the time T 23  to a time T 24 , processes similar to those from the time T 2  to the time T 3  are performed, and the exposure is stopped and the electric charge is transferred from the PDs  51 . 
     It should be noted that the inputting of the ON signals to the respective OFGs  56  of the sensor pixels  110  and the stoppage of the inputting thereof are performed together for the sensor pixels  110  disposed in all the rows of the pixel array section  111 . Similarly, the inputting of the ON signals to the respective TGs  52  of the sensor pixels  110  and the stoppage of the inputting are performed together for the sensor pixels  110  disposed in all the rows of the pixel array section  111 . As a result, it is possible to start and end the exposure for all the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the pixel array section  111  together. 
     As described above, the starting and the ending of the exposure are performed for all the sensor pixels  110  disposed in the pixel array section  111  together. Thus, it is possible to obtain an image signal having a less distortion as compared with a rolling shutter system. 
     [Effects of Solid-State Imaging Device  101 ] 
     As described above, in the solid-state imaging device  101  according to the present embodiment, the semiconductor substrate  11  is separated into the plurality of pixel regions R 110  in an X-Y plane direction by providing the pixel separation section  12  that extends from the surface  11 A to the back face  11 B of the semiconductor substrate  11 . Thus, a color mixture reduction effect between the adjacent sensor pixels  110  is obtained. 
     Further, the FD  53  is provided in the gap region GR. Thus, a false signal generated by the direct entry of the light from the outside into the FD  53  is reduced. Hence, it is possible to exhibit more superior imaging performance 
     Further, in the pixel regions R 110  in which the sensor pixel  110  is provided, the respective transistors, i.e., the TG  52 , the RST  54 , the FBEN  55 , the OFG  56 , the AMP  57 , and the SEL  58  are disposed along the straight parts L 51 A to L 51 D configuring the substantially rectangular outer edge of the PD  51 . Accordingly, the optical symmetry is excellent. 
     Further, in the sensor pixel  110 , the OFG  56  and the AMP  57  share the drain D. Thus, it is possible to increase a ratio of the occupying area of the PD  51  to the area of the pixel region R 110 . Accordingly, it is advantageous in terms of miniaturization of the pixel array section  111  and the solid-state imaging device  101 . 
     Further, in the sensor pixel  110 , the first active region AR 1  including the TG  52  and the second active region AR 2  including the OFG  56  are disposed in the pixel region R 110  in such a manner as to sandwich the PD  51  so as to secure high symmetry. Accordingly, it is possible to smoothly perform a transfer of the electric charge from the PD  51  to the TG  52  and a transfer of the electric charge from the PD  51  to the OFG  56 . 
     Further, one or more well contacts  59  such as copper is coupled to the gap region GR of each sensor pixel  110  of the solid-state imaging device  101 . Thus, it is possible to stabilize a potential of the semiconductor substrate  11  in each pixel region R 110 . Accordingly, it is possible to exhibit more superior imaging performance 
     &lt;2. First Modification Example&gt; 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 6 , a sensor pixel  110 A according to a first modification example of the embodiment described above will be described.  FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a plan configuration of the sensor pixel  110 A, and corresponds to  FIG. 3  that illustrates the sensor pixel  110  described in the embodiment described above. The sensor pixel  110 A has substantially the same configuration as the sensor pixel  110  of  FIG. 3 , except that a layout of each component in the gap region GR of the pixel region R 110  is different. 
     Specifically, in the sensor pixel  110 A, the FD  53  is provided only between the straight part L 51 A and the straight part L 12 A of the gap region GR by providing the RST  54  at a corner part of the pixel region R 110 . 
     In this manner, in the sensor pixel  110 A, it is provided only between the straight part L 51 A configuring the outer edge of the PD  51  and the straight part L 12 A configuring the outer edge of the pixel separation section  12 . Thus, it is possible to reduce the occupying area in the X-Y plane of the FD  53  as compared with a case where the FD  53  is provided at a corner part of the pixel region R 110  as with the sensor pixel  110  of the embodiment described above. Accordingly, a false signal generated by the direct entry of the light from the outside into the FD  53  is more reduced as compared with the sensor pixel  110  of the embodiment described above. Hence, it is possible to exhibit even more superior imaging performance 
       FIGS. 7A to 7D  illustrate wiring line patterns of respective layers D 1  to D 4  extending in the X-Y plane of the sensor pixel  110 A illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The layers D 1  to D 4  are stacked in order on the surface  11 A of the semiconductor substrate  11 . 
     A wiring line CFD whose contour is illustrated by a solid line in the layer D 1  of  FIG. 7A  and the layer D 2  of  FIG. 7B  forms the parasitic capacitance C_ F D (see  FIG. 2 ). In addition, a wiring line CST whose contour is illustrated by a two-dot chain line in the layers D 1  to D 3  of  FIGS. 7A to 7C  forms the parasitic capacitance C_ ST  (see  FIG. 2 ). In the sensor pixel  110 A, as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7C , the wiring line CFD and the wiring line CST each include two wiring line parts extending substantially side by side with respect to each other in a comb-like shape. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively secure the capacity necessary for the pixel circuit even when the pixel region R 110  is minute. 
     Further, as illustrated in the layer D 4  of  FIG. 7D , two VSLs  117  and two FBLs extending in a Y-axis direction pass through the pixel region R 110  of one sensor pixel  110 . That is, it is possible to read out the image signal from one sensor pixel  110  by a first set of VSL  117  and FBL, and to read out the image signal from another sensor pixel  110  adjacent thereto in the column direction (the Y-axis direction) by a second set of VSL  117  and FBL. Accordingly, it is advantageous in terms of achieving a high frame rate. 
     &lt;3. Second Modification Example&gt; 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 8 , a sensor pixel  110 B according to a second modification example of the embodiment described above will be described.  FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a plan configuration of the sensor pixel  110 B, and corresponds to  FIG. 6  that illustrates the sensor pixel  110 A described in the first modification example described above. The sensor pixel  110 B has substantially the same configuration as the sensor pixel  110 A of  FIG. 6 , except that a layout of each component in the gap region GR of the pixel region R 110  is different. 
     In the sensor pixel  110 B, the OFG  56  and the AMP  57  of the second active region AR 2  are also provided at corner parts of the pixel region R 110  in addition to the RST  54  of the first active region AR 1 . The AMP  57  includes, for example, a drain D (a first diffusion region) extending in the X-axis direction and a source S (a second diffusion region) extending in the Y-axis direction. The AMP  57  share the drain D with the OFG  56 . 
     As described above, in the sensor pixel  110 B, some transistors are provided at the corner parts of the pixel region R 110 , and they are joined by the relatively simple planar shaped diffusion regions that extend linearly. Accordingly, it is advantageous in terms of a size reduction of the pixel region R 110  as compared with the sensor pixels  110  and  110 A of the embodiments described above. In addition, a degree of freedom in designing a layout of the pixel region R 110  is improved, and it becomes easy to employ a plan configuration that is advantageous in increasing the occupying area ratio of the PD  51  in the pixel region R 110 , for example. 
     &lt;4. Third Modification Example&gt; 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 9 , a sensor pixel  110 C according to a third modification example of the embodiment described above will be described.  FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the sensor pixel  110 C, and corresponds to  FIG. 4  that illustrates the sensor pixel  110  described in the embodiment described above. The sensor pixel  110 C has substantially the same configuration as the sensor pixel  110 A of  FIG. 6 , except that a scattering section  60  is provided in the vicinity of the back face  11 B of the semiconductor substrate  11 . 
     The scattering section  60  is a structure having a plurality of projections having a pointed shape and arranged along the back face  11 B at a predetermined pitch, for example. The scattering section  60  is formed by selectively cutting the back face  11 B of the semiconductor substrate  11 . The scattering section  60  is adapted to guide the incident light that has entered the back face  11 B to the PD  51  while moderately scattering the incident light. 
     As described above, in the sensor pixel  110 C, the scattering section  60  is provided in the vicinity of the back face  11 B of the semiconductor substrate  11 . Thus, the incident light that enters the back face  11 B from the outside through the on-chip lens LNS, the color filter CF, and the like is moderately scattered by the scattering section  60 . Accordingly, an opportunity in which the incident light is reflected at an interface between the semiconductor substrate  11  and the pixel separation section  12  in the pixel region R 110  increases and a light path length of the incident light becomes longer as compared with a case where no scattering section  60  is provided. As a result, it is possible to reduce the light amount of the incident light that directly enters the FD  53 . 
     &lt;5. Fourth Modification Example&gt; 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 10 , a sensor pixel  110 D according to a fourth modification example of the embodiment described above will be described.  FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the sensor pixel  110 D, and corresponds to  FIG. 4  that illustrates the sensor pixel  110  described in the embodiment described above. The sensor pixel  110 D has substantially the same configuration as the sensor pixel  110  of  FIG. 4 , except that a vertical type trench gate  52 G that joins the PD  51  and TG  52  is further provided. The vertical type trench gate  52 G is provided so as to join the PD  51  and the TG  52 , and serves as a path that transfers the electric charge from the PD  51  to the FD  53  that is a transfer destination. It should be noted that only one vertical type trench gate  52 G may be disposed, or two or more vertical type trench gates  52 G may be disposed. 
     As described above, in the sensor pixel  110 D, the vertical type trench gate  52 G extending in the thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate  11  is provided. Thus, it is possible to apply a biasing voltage to the semiconductor substrate  11 . As a result, because it is possible to modulate a potential state of the semiconductor substrate  11 , it is possible to smoothly transfer the electric charge from the PD  51  to the FD  53  via the TG  52 . In addition, by providing the vertical type trench gate  52 G, it is possible to increase the thickness Z 110  of the semiconductor substrate  11  while maintaining the thickness (a size in the Z-axis direction) of the PD  51 . For this reason, it is possible to increase a distance from the back face  11 B on which the incident light is incident to the FD  53  provided in the vicinity of the surface  11 A. Accordingly, a light path length of the incident light entering from the back face  11 B and propagating in the pixel region R 110  becomes long, and it is possible to reduce the light amount of the incident light that directly reaches the FD  53  consequently. 
     &lt;6. Fifth Modification Example&gt; 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a sensor pixel  110 E according to a fifth modification example of the embodiment described above will be described.  FIG. 11A  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a plan configuration of the sensor pixel  110 E, and corresponds to  FIG. 3  that illustrates the sensor pixel  110  described in the embodiment described above.  FIG. 11B  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional configuration of the sensor pixel  110 E, and corresponds to  FIG. 4  that illustrates the sensor pixel  110  described in the embodiment described above. The sensor pixel  110 E has substantially the same configuration as the sensor pixel  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , except that a horizontal light-blocking film  13  is further provided. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the horizontal light-blocking film  13  is disposed at a corner part where the straight part L 12 A and the straight part L 12 D intersect, for example, and is provided so as to overlap with the FD  53  in the thickness direction (the Z-axis direction). The horizontal light-blocking film  13  is formed to extend in the X-Y plane between the back face  11 B on which the incident light is incident and the FD  53 , e.g., between the PD  51  and the FD  53  in the thickness direction (the Z-axis direction). 
     The horizontal light-blocking film  13  is a member that hinders the entry of the light into the FD  53 , and reduces the generation of the false signal resulting from the entry into the FD  53  of the light that has transmitted through the PD  51 . The horizontal light-blocking film  13  includes, for example, the same material as the pixel separation section  12 . It should be note that the light that has entered from the back face  11 B and has transmitted through the PD  51  without being absorbed by the PD  51  is reflected by the horizontal light-blocking film  13  and eventually enters the PD  51  again. That is, the horizontal light-blocking film  13  is a reflector as well, and causes the light that has transmitted through the PD  51  to enter the PD  51  again to thereby increase a photoelectric conversion efficiency. 
     Further, the horizontal light-blocking film  13  may also be coupled to the pixel separation section  12 . In this case, the pixel separation section  12  and the horizontal light-blocking film  13  each have a two-layer structure of, for example, an inner layer part and an outer layer part that surrounds the periphery thereof. The inner layer part includes, for example, a material containing at least one of a simple metal, a metal alloy, a metal nitride, or a metal silicide having a light-shielding property. More specifically, examples of a constituent material of the inner layer part include Al (aluminum), Cu (copper), Co (cobalt), W (tungsten), Ti (titanium), Ta (tantalum), Ni (nickel), Mo (molybdenum), Cr (chromium), Ir (iridium), platinum iridium, TiN (titanium nitride), and a tungsten silicon compound. Among them, Al (aluminum) is the most optically preferable constituent material. It should be noted that the inner layer part may include graphite or an organic material. The outer layer part includes an insulating material such as, for example, SiOx (silicon oxide). The outer layer part secures an electrically insulating property between the inner layer part and the semiconductor substrate  11 . 
     It should be noted that it is possible to form the light-blocking film  14  extending in the X-Y plane by forming a space inside the semiconductor substrate  11  by, for example, wet etching, and filling the space with the material described above thereafter. In the wet etching process, for example, in a case where the semiconductor substrate  11  includes Si ( 111 ), a predetermined alkaline aqueous solution is used to perform crystalline anisotropic etching that utilizes a property in which an etching rate differs depending on a plane orientation of the Si ( 111 ). More specifically, for the Si ( 111 ) substrate, a property is utilized in which the etching rate in a &lt; 110 &gt; direction becomes sufficiently high with respect to the etching rate in a &lt; 111 &gt; direction. As a predetermined aqueous alkaline solution, KOH, NaOH, CsOH or the like is applicable if the aqueous alkaline solution is an inorganic solution, and EDP (ethylenediamine pyrocatechol aqueous solution), N 2 H 4  (hydrazine), NH 4 OH (ammonium hydroxide), TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide) or the like is applicable if the aqueous alkaline solution is an organic solution. 
     As described above, in the sensor pixel  110 E, the horizontal light-blocking film  13  is further provided between the back face  11 B and the FD  53 . Accordingly, the false signal generated by the direct entry of the light from the outside into the FD  53  is even more reduced. Hence, it is possible to exhibit even more superior imaging performance. 
     &lt;7. Example of Application to Electronic Apparatus &gt; 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a camera  2000  as an electronic apparatus to which the present technology is applied. 
     The camera  2000  includes an optical section  2001  configured by a lens group and the like, an imaging device (an image pickup device)  2002  to which the solid-state imaging device  101  described above or the like is applied (hereinafter, referred to as the solid-state imaging device  101  or the like), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) circuit  2003  as a camera signal process circuit. In addition, the camera  2000  also includes a frame memory  2004 , a display section  2005 , a recording section  2006 , an operation section  2007 , and a power supply section  2008 . The DSP circuit  2003 , the frame memory  2004 , the display section  2005 , the recording section  2006 , the operation section  2007 , and the power supply section  2008  are coupled mutually via a bus line  2009 . 
     The optical section  2001  takes in the incident light (image light) from the subject and forms an image on an imaging surface of the imaging device  2002 . The imaging device  2002  converts a light amount of the incident light having been subjected to the image formation on the imaging surface by the optical section  2001  into an electric signal on a pixel basis and outputs the electric signal as a pixel signal. 
     The display section  2005  is configured by, for example, a panel-type display device such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel, and displays a moving image or a still image captured by the imaging device  2002 . The recording section  2006  records the moving image or the still image captured by the imaging device  2002  on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. 
     The operation section  2007  issues an operation command for various functions of the camera  2000  on the basis of an operation performed by a user. The power supply section  2008  provides, as appropriate, various power supplies serving as operation power supplies of the DSP circuit  2003 , the frame memory  2004 , the display section  2005 , the recording section  2006 , and the operation section  2007  to these supply targets. 
     As described above, it is possible to expect a favorable image to be obtained by using the solid-state imaging device  101 A or the like described above as the imaging device  2002 . 
     &lt;8. Example of Application to Mobile Body&gt; 
     It is possible to apply a technique according to the present disclosure (the present technology) to a variety of products. For example, the technique according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a device to be mounted on any type of mobile body of any type, such as a vehicle, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a vessel, a robot, or the like. 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram depicting an example of schematic configuration of a vehicle control system as an example of a mobile body control system to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied. 
     The vehicle control system  12000  includes a plurality of electronic control units connected to each other via a communication network  12001 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 13 , the vehicle control system  12000  includes a driving system control unit  12010 , a body system control unit  12020 , an outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030 , an in-vehicle information detecting unit  12040 , and an integrated control unit  12050 . In addition, a microcomputer  12051 , a sound/image output section  12052 , and a vehicle-mounted network interface (UF)  12053  are illustrated as a functional configuration of the integrated control unit  12050 . 
     The driving system control unit  12010  controls the operation of devices related to the driving system of the vehicle in accordance with various kinds of programs. For example, the driving system control unit  12010  functions as a control device for a driving force generating device for generating the driving force of the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine, a driving motor, or the like, a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting the driving force to wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, a braking device for generating the braking force of the vehicle, and the like. 
     The body system control unit  12020  controls the operation of various kinds of devices provided to a vehicle body in accordance with various kinds of programs. For example, the body system control unit  12020  functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various kinds of lamps such as a headlamp, a backup lamp, a brake lamp, a turn signal, a fog lamp, or the like. In this case, radio waves transmitted from a mobile device as an alternative to a key or signals of various kinds of switches can be input to the body system control unit  12020 . The body system control unit  12020  receives these input radio waves or signals, and controls a door lock device, the power window device, the lamps, or the like of the vehicle. 
     The outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030  detects information about the outside of the vehicle including the vehicle control system  12000 . For example, the outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030  is connected with an imaging section  12031 . The outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030  makes the imaging section  12031  image an image of the outside of the vehicle, and receives the imaged image. On the basis of the received image, the outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030  may perform processing of detecting an object such as a human, a vehicle, an obstacle, a sign, a character on a road surface, or the like, or processing of detecting a distance thereto. 
     The imaging section  12031  is an optical sensor that receives light, and which outputs an electric signal corresponding to a received light amount of the light. The imaging section  12031  can output the electric signal as an image, or can output the electric signal as information about a measured distance. In addition, the light received by the imaging section  12031  may be visible light, or may be invisible light such as infrared rays or the like. 
     The in-vehicle information detecting unit  12040  detects information about the inside of the vehicle. The in-vehicle information detecting unit  12040  is, for example, connected with a driver state detecting section  12041  that detects the state of a driver. The driver state detecting section  12041 , for example, includes a camera that images the driver. On the basis of detection information input from the driver state detecting section  12041 , the in-vehicle information detecting unit  12040  may calculate a degree of fatigue of the driver or a degree of concentration of the driver, or may determine whether the driver is dozing. 
     The microcomputer  12051  can calculate a control target value for the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device on the basis of the information about the inside or outside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030  or the in-vehicle information detecting unit  12040 , and output a control command to the driving system control unit  12010 . For example, the microcomputer  12051  can perform cooperative control intended to implement functions of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which functions include collision avoidance or shock mitigation for the vehicle, following driving based on a following distance, vehicle speed maintaining driving, a warning of collision of the vehicle, a warning of deviation of the vehicle from a lane, or the like. 
     In addition, the microcomputer  12051  can perform cooperative control intended for automatic driving, which makes the vehicle to travel autonomously without depending on the operation of the driver, or the like, by controlling the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, the braking device, or the like on the basis of the information about the outside or inside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030  or the in-vehicle information detecting unit  12040 . 
     In addition, the microcomputer  12051  can output a control command to the body system control unit  12020  on the basis of the information about the outside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030 . For example, the microcomputer  12051  can perform cooperative control intended to prevent a glare by controlling the headlamp so as to change from a high beam to a low beam, for example, in accordance with the position of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle detected by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit  12030 . 
     The sound/image output section  12052  transmits an output signal of at least one of a sound and an image to an output device capable of visually or auditorily notifying information to an occupant of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle. In the example of  FIG. 13 , an audio speaker  12061 , a display section  12062 , and an instrument panel  12063  are illustrated as the output device. The display section  12062  may, for example, include at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display. 
       FIG. 14  is a diagram depicting an example of the installation position of the imaging section  12031 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , the imaging section  12031  includes imaging sections  12101 ,  12102 ,  12103 ,  12104 , and  12105 . 
     The imaging sections  12101 ,  12102 ,  12103 ,  12104 , and  12105  are, for example, disposed at positions on a front nose, sideview mirrors, a rear bumper, and a back door of the vehicle  12100  as well as a position on an upper portion of a windshield within the interior of the vehicle. The imaging section  12101  provided to the front nose and the imaging section  12105  provided to the upper portion of the windshield within the interior of the vehicle obtain mainly an image of the front of the vehicle  12100 . The imaging sections  12102  and  12103  provided to the sideview mirrors obtain mainly an image of the sides of the vehicle  12100 . The imaging section  12104  provided to the rear bumper or the back door obtains mainly an image of the rear of the vehicle  12100 . The imaging section  12105  provided to the upper portion of the windshield within the interior of the vehicle is used mainly to detect a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, a signal, a traffic sign, a lane, or the like. 
     Incidentally,  FIG. 14  depicts an example of photographing ranges of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104 . An imaging range  12111  represents the imaging range of the imaging section  12101  provided to the front nose. Imaging ranges  12112  and  12113  respectively represent the imaging ranges of the imaging sections  12102  and  12103  provided to the sideview mirrors. An imaging range  12114  represents the imaging range of the imaging section  12104  provided to the rear bumper or the back door. A bird&#39;s-eye image of the vehicle  12100  as viewed from above is obtained by superimposing image data imaged by the imaging sections  12101  to  12104 , for example. 
     At least one of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104  may have a function of obtaining distance information. For example, at least one of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104  may be a stereo camera constituted of a plurality of imaging elements, or may be an imaging element having pixels for phase difference detection. 
     For example, the microcomputer  12051  can determine a distance to each three-dimensional object within the imaging ranges  12111  to  12114  and a temporal change in the distance (relative speed with respect to the vehicle  12100 ) on the basis of the distance information obtained from the imaging sections  12101  to  12104 , and thereby extract, as a preceding vehicle, a nearest three-dimensional object in particular that is present on a traveling path of the vehicle  12100  and which travels in substantially the same direction as the vehicle  12100  at a predetermined speed (for example, equal to or more than  0  km/hour). Further, the microcomputer  12051  can set a following distance to be maintained in front of a preceding vehicle in advance, and perform automatic brake control (including following stop control), automatic acceleration control (including following start control), or the like. It is thus possible to perform cooperative control intended for automatic driving that makes the vehicle travel autonomously without depending on the operation of the driver or the like. 
     For example, the microcomputer  12051  can classify three-dimensional object data on three-dimensional objects into three-dimensional object data of a two-wheeled vehicle, a standard-sized vehicle, a large-sized vehicle, a pedestrian, a utility pole, and other three-dimensional objects on the basis of the distance information obtained from the imaging sections  12101  to  12104 , extract the classified three-dimensional object data, and use the extracted three-dimensional object data for automatic avoidance of an obstacle. For example, the microcomputer  12051  identifies obstacles around the vehicle  12100  as obstacles that the driver of the vehicle  12100  can recognize visually and obstacles that are difficult for the driver of the vehicle  12100  to recognize visually. Then, the microcomputer  12051  determines a collision risk indicating a risk of collision with each obstacle. In a situation in which the collision risk is equal to or higher than a set value and there is thus a possibility of collision, the microcomputer  12051  outputs a warning to the driver via the audio speaker  12061  or the display section  12062 , and performs forced deceleration or avoidance steering via the driving system control unit  12010 . The microcomputer  12051  can thereby assist in driving to avoid collision. 
     At least one of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104  may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays. The microcomputer  12051  can, for example, recognize a pedestrian by determining whether or not there is a pedestrian in imaged images of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104 . Such recognition of a pedestrian is, for example, performed by a procedure of extracting characteristic points in the imaged images of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104  as infrared cameras and a procedure of determining whether or not it is the pedestrian by performing pattern matching processing on a series of characteristic points representing the contour of the object. When the microcomputer  12051  determines that there is a pedestrian in the imaged images of the imaging sections  12101  to  12104 , and thus recognizes the pedestrian, the sound/image output section  12052  controls the display section  12062  so that a square contour line for emphasis is displayed so as to be superimposed on the recognized pedestrian. The sound/image output section  12052  may also control the display section  12062  so that an icon or the like representing the pedestrian is displayed at a desired position. 
     An example of the vehicle control system to which a technique according to the present disclosure may be applied has been described above. A technique according to the present disclosure may be applied to the imaging section  12031  among the configurations described above. Specifically, it is possible to apply the solid-state imaging device  101  or the like illustrated in  FIG. 1  and the like to the imaging section  12031 . By applying a technique according to the present disclosure to the imaging section  12031 , it is possible to expect an excellent operation of the vehicle control system. 
     &lt;9. Other Modification Examples&gt; 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments and the modification examples, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and the like described above, and various modifications can be made. For example, the present disclosure is not limited to the backside illumination image sensor, and is applicable to a front-side illumination image sensor as well. 
     It is to be noted that the solid-state imaging device of the present technology is not limited to the solid-state imaging device  101  illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and may have a configuration such as a solid-state imaging device  101 A illustrated in  FIG. 15  or a solid-state imaging device  101 B illustrated in  FIG. 16 , for example.  FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the solid-state imaging device  101 A according to a first modification example of the solid-state imaging device of the present technology.  FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a solid-state imaging device  101 B according to a second modification example of the solid-state imaging device of the present technology. 
     In the solid-state imaging device  101 A of  FIG. 15 , the data storage section  119  is disposed between the column signal processing section  113  and the horizontal driving section  114 , and a pixel signal outputted from the column signal processing section  113  is supplied to the signal processing section  118  via the data storage section  119 . 
     Further, in the solid-state imaging device  101 B of  FIG. 16 , the data storage section  119  and the signal processing section  118  are disposed in parallel between the column signal processing section  113  and the horizontal driving section  114 . In the solid-state imaging device  101 B, the column signal processing section  113  performs an A/D conversion that converts an analog pixel signal into a digital pixel signal, for each column of the pixel array section  111  or for each of multiple columns of the pixel array section  111 . 
     Further, the imaging device of the present disclosure is not limited to an imaging device that detects a light amount distribution of the visible light and captures the visible light as an image, and may be an imaging device that captures a distribution of incident amount of infrared rays, X-rays, particles, or the like as an image. 
     Further, the imaging device of the present disclosure may also be in the form of a module in which the imaging section and the signal processing section or the optical system are packaged together. 
     According to the imaging device and the electronic apparatus as one embodiment of the present disclosure, the semiconductor layer is separated into the plurality of pixel regions in in-plane direction by providing the pixel separation section that extends from the surface to the back face of the semiconductor layer. Thus, the color mixture reduction effect between the adjacent pixels is obtained. Further, the electric charge voltage conversion section is provided in the gap region. Thus, the false signal generated by the direct entry of the light from the outside into the electric charge voltage conversion section is reduced. Hence, it is possible to exhibit more superior imaging performance. 
     It is to be noted that the effects described in the present specification are mere examples and description thereof is non-limiting. Other effects may be also provided. Further, the present technology may have the following configurations.
     (1)   

     An imaging device including: 
     a semiconductor layer having a surface that extends in an in-plane direction, and a back face positioned on an opposite side of the surface in a thickness direction that is orthogonal to the in-plane direction; 
     a pixel separation section that extends from the surface to the back face in the thickness direction, and separates the semiconductor layer into a plurality of pixel regions in the in-plane direction; 
     a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections respectively provided in the plurality of pixel regions of the semiconductor layer separated by the pixel separation section, and each configured to generate, by a photoelectric conversion, electric charge corresponding to a light amount of incident light from the back face; and 
     a plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections respectively provided in a plurality of gap regions, the plurality of gap regions being disposed in the in-plane direction between the plurality of photoelectric conversion sections and the pixel separation section out of the plurality of pixel regions, the plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections respectively accumulating the electric charges generated by the respective plurality of photoelectric conversion sections, and respectively converting the accumulated electric charges into electric signals and outputting the converted electric signals.
     (2)   

     The imaging device according to (1), further including: 
     a first active region including a transfer transistor that is coupled to the photoelectric conversion section at a first connection point, and transfers the electric charge from the photoelectric conversion section to the electric charge voltage conversion section; and 
     a second active region including a discharge transistor that is coupled to the photoelectric conversion section at a second connection point different from the first connection point, and discharges the electric charge from the photoelectric conversion section to outside to deplete the photoelectric conversion section.
     (3)   

     The imaging device according to (2), in which 
     the pixel region has a rectangular first outer edge that includes a first straight part in the in-plane direction, 
     the photoelectric conversion section has a rectangular second outer edge that includes a second straight part in the in-plane direction, the second straight part facing the first straight part, and 
     the electric charge voltage conversion section is provided between the first straight part and the second straight part in the in-plane direction.
     (4)   

     The imaging device according to (2) or (3), in which 
     the second active region further includes an amplification transistor in the in-plane direction, and 
     the amplification transistor is provided at a corner part of the pixel region, and includes a first diffusion region extending in a first direction in the in-plane direction, and a second diffusion region extending in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction in the in-plane direction.
     (5)   

     The imaging device according to (4), in which the discharge transistor shares the first diffusion region with the amplification transistor.
     (6)   

     The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (5), in which the electric charge voltage conversion section is provided between the surface and the photoelectric conversion section in the thickness direction.
     (7)   

     The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (6), further including a light-blocking film that is provided between the photoelectric conversion section and the electric charge voltage conversion section in the thickness direction, and extends in the in-plane direction.
     (8)   

     The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (7), further including a scattering section that is provided on the back face of the semiconductor layer or between the back face and the photoelectric conversion section, and scatters the incident light that enters the back face.
     (9)   

     The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (8), further including a transfer transistor that includes a trench gate, the trench gate extending from the surface of the semiconductor layer toward the back face to the photoelectric conversion section, the transfer transistor transferring the electric charge from the photoelectric conversion section to the electric charge voltage conversion section via the trench gate.
     (10)   

     The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (9), in which the incident light includes infrared light.
     (11)   

     The imaging device according to any one of (1) to (10), further including a well contact coupled to each of the plurality of gap regions.
     (12)   

     An electronic apparatus with an imaging device, the imaging device including: 
     a semiconductor layer having a surface that extends in an in-plane direction, and a back face positioned on an opposite side of the surface in a thickness direction that is orthogonal to the in-plane direction; 
     a pixel separation section that extends from the surface to the back face in the thickness direction, and separates the semiconductor layer into a plurality of pixel regions in the in-plane direction; 
     a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections respectively provided in the plurality of pixel regions of the semiconductor layer separated by the pixel separation section, and each configured to generate, by a photoelectric conversion, electric charge corresponding to a light amount of incident light from the back face; and 
     a plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections respectively provided in a plurality of gap regions, the plurality of gap regions being disposed in the in-plane direction between the plurality of photoelectric conversion sections and the pixel separation section out of the plurality of pixel regions, the plurality of electric charge voltage conversion sections respectively accumulating the electric charges generated by the respective plurality of photoelectric conversion sections, and respectively converting the accumulated electric charges into electric signals and outputting the converted electric signals. 
     The present application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP2019-100342 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 29, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.