Patent Description:
As a conventional photoelectric conversion device, Patent Literature <NUM> describes a solid-state imaging device as follows. That is, the solid-state imaging device described in Patent Literature <NUM> includes an imaging region that generates electric charge according to incidence of light, and a transfer part (specifically, a vertical shift register, a horizontal shift register, a corner register, and a multiplication register) that transfers the electric charge generated in the imaging region. In the solid-state imaging device described in Patent Literature <NUM>, the horizontal shift register, the corner register, and the multiplication register extend to be bent in the curved corner register.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> describe solid state imaging device according to the prior art.

In the solid-state imaging device described in Patent Literature <NUM>, the corner register includes a plurality of transfer electrodes. Here, if the number of transfer electrodes of the corner register is reduced, since a difference between an inner width and an outer width in each transfer electrode increases, there is a likelihood that transfer of electric charge on an outer side of each transfer electrode will be insufficient. In order to avoid that, if the number of transfer electrodes of the corner register is increased, the following problems may arise. That is, since an inner width of each transfer electrode becomes smaller, there is a likelihood that a structure thereof will be complicated and a yield thereof will decrease. Also, if the number of transfer electrodes of the corner register is large, there is a likelihood that high-speed driving will be hindered due to increase in electrical capacity, or power consumption will increase.

An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a photoelectric conversion device capable of reliably transferring electric charge while avoiding increase in the number of transfer electrodes in such a case in which a direction of electric charge transfer or the like is changed in a transfer part.

A photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a photoelectric conversion part configured to generate electric charge according to incidence of light, and a transfer part configured to transfer the electric charge, in which the transfer part includes a first transfer region configured to transfer the electric charge along a first line, a second transfer region configured to transfer the electric charge along a second line, a third transfer region configured to transfer the electric charge from the first transfer region side to the second transfer region side along a third line connected to the first line and the second line, a first transfer electrode disposed on the first transfer region, and a second transfer electrode disposed on the second transfer region, the third line is deviated from at least one of the first line and the second line, the third transfer region includes a first semiconductor region having a first impurity concentration, and a second semiconductor region having a second impurity concentration higher than the first impurity concentration, the second semiconductor region extends along the third line to be widened on the second transfer region side, and the first semiconductor region is disposed on both sides of the second semiconductor region in a direction in which the second semiconductor region is widened.

In the photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transfer part includes the first transfer region configured to transfer electric charge along a first line, the second transfer region configured to transfer the electric charge along a second line, and the third transfer region configured to transfer the electric charge from the first transfer region side to the second transfer region side along a third line connected to the first line and the second line, and the third line is deviated from at least one of the first line and the second line. Thereby, a direction of electric charge transfer or the like is changed in at least the third transfer region. In the third transfer region, the second semiconductor region having the second impurity concentration higher than the first impurity concentration extends along the third line to be widened on the second transfer region side, and the first semiconductor region having the first impurity concentration is disposed on both sides of the second semiconductor region in a direction in which the second semiconductor region is widened. Thereby, an electric potential gradient (potential energy gradient) in which electric charge moves from the first transfer region side to the second transfer region side along the third line is formed in the third transfer region. Therefore, it is unnecessary to dispose a large number of transfer electrodes on the third transfer region to change a direction of electric charge transfer or the like. Therefore, according to the photoelectric conversion device of one aspect of the present disclosure, in such a case in which a direction of electric charge transfer or the like is changed in the transfer part, the electric charge can be reliably transferred while avoiding increase in the number of transfer electrodes.

In the photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a direction in which the second transfer region transfers the electric charge along the second line may be different from a direction in which the first transfer region transfers the electric charge along the first line. According to this, a direction of electric charge transfer can be changed in the transfer part.

In the photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the third line may be a curve. According to this, a direction of electric charge transfer can be smoothly changed in the transfer part.

In the photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transfer part may further include a third transfer electrode disposed on the third transfer region. According to this, since not only electric potentials of the first transfer region and the second transfer region but also an electric potential of the third transfer region can be controlled, the electric charge can be more reliably transferred.

In the photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transfer part may further include a buried layer having a conductivity type different from conductivity types of the first semiconductor region and the second semiconductor region, and the buried layer may be disposed on the third transfer region. According to this, since it is not necessary to dispose a transfer electrode on the third transfer region, the configuration can be simplified. Also, generation of a dark current in the third transfer region can be suppressed.

The photoelectric conversion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include a light-shielding layer disposed on an incident side of light with respect to the transfer part. According to this, unnecessary electric charge generated in the transfer part due to incidence of light on the transfer part can be prevented.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a photoelectric conversion device capable of reliably transferring electric charge while avoiding increase in the number of transfer electrodes in such a case in which a direction of electric charge transfer or the like is changed in a transfer part.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further, in each of the drawings, the same or corresponding portions will be denoted by the same reference signs, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a photoelectric conversion device <NUM> includes a semiconductor layer <NUM> and a wiring layer <NUM>. A photoelectric conversion part <NUM> generating electric charge according to incidence of light hv is provided in the semiconductor layer <NUM>. As a transfer part <NUM> for transferring electric charge, a vertical shift register 5a, a horizontal shift register 5b, a corner register 5c, and a multiplication register 5d are provided in the semiconductor layer <NUM> and the wiring layer <NUM>. The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> is, for example, a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device in which a CCD-type imaging region is configured by the photoelectric conversion part <NUM> and the vertical shift register 5a. Hereinafter, a thickness direction of the semiconductor layer <NUM> is referred to as a Z-axis direction, one direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is referred to as an X-axis direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is referred to as a Y-axis direction.

The semiconductor layer <NUM> includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM>, a semiconductor layer <NUM>, and a semiconductor region <NUM>. The semiconductor substrate <NUM> is, for example, a P+-type silicon substrate. The semiconductor layer <NUM> is, for example, a P--type silicon layer formed on a surface 21a of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> by epitaxial growth. The semiconductor region <NUM> is, for example, an N+-type semiconductor region formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM> along a surface 22a of the semiconductor layer <NUM> by being doped with N-type impurities.

Further, "P+-type" means that a concentration of P-type impurities is high such as, for example, a concentration of P-type impurities being <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> cm-<NUM> or higher, and "P--type" means that a concentration of P-type impurities is low such as, for example, a concentration of P-type impurities being <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> cm-<NUM> or lower. The same applies to N-type impurities.

A recessed part <NUM> is formed on a back surface 21b of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. The recessed part <NUM> is formed by, for example, etching and has a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape that widens toward a side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> opposite to the surface 21a side. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, a PN junction region formed in a portion of the semiconductor layer <NUM> corresponding to a bottom surface 24a of the recessed part <NUM> constitutes the photoelectric conversion part <NUM>.

A light-shielding layer <NUM> is formed on the back surface 21b of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> and a side surface 24b of the recessed part <NUM>. The light-shielding layer <NUM> has an opening 6a corresponding to the bottom surface 24a of the recessed part <NUM>. The light-shielding layer <NUM> is, for example, a metal film formed on the back surface 21b and the side surface 24b by vapor deposition or sputtering. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the light hv is incident on the photoelectric conversion part <NUM> from the back surface 21b side of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> via the opening 6a of the light-shielding layer <NUM> and the bottom surface 24a of the recessed part <NUM>.

The wiring layer <NUM> is formed on the surface 22a of the semiconductor layer <NUM> with an insulating film <NUM> interposed therebetween. The wiring layer <NUM> includes a plurality of transfer electrodes (not illustrated) and an interlayer insulating film <NUM>. The insulating film <NUM> is, for example, an SiO<NUM> film. The interlayer insulating film <NUM> is, for example, a BPSG film.

The vertical shift register 5a includes a plurality of transfer electrodes disposed at a portion of the wiring layer <NUM> corresponding to the photoelectric conversion parts <NUM>. The vertical shift register 5a transfers electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion part <NUM> to one side in the Y-axis direction.

The horizontal shift register 5b extends in the X-axis direction on one side of the vertical shift register 5a in the Y-axis direction. The horizontal shift register 5b includes a plurality of transfer electrodes aligned in the X-axis direction. The horizontal shift register 5b transfers the electric charge transferred by the vertical shift register 5a to one side (left side in <FIG>) in the X-axis direction.

The corner register 5c is disposed on one side of the horizontal shift register 5b in the X-axis direction. The corner register 5c transfers the electric charge transferred by the horizontal shift register 5b, and changes a direction of transferring the electric charge from one side (left side in <FIG>) to the other side (right side in <FIG>) in the X-axis direction.

The multiplication register 5d extends in the X-axis direction on one side of the horizontal shift register 5b in the Y-axis direction. The multiplication register 5d includes a plurality of transfer electrodes aligned in the X-axis direction. The multiplication register 5d multiplies the electric charge (electrons) while transferring the electric charge transferred by the corner register 5c to the other side (right side in <FIG>) in the X-axis direction. The electric charge transferred by the multiplication register 5d are output to the outside through an amplifier formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM>.

The horizontal shift register 5b, the corner register 5c, and the multiplication register 5d are covered with a frame portion surrounding the recessed part <NUM> of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> and the light-shielding layer <NUM> when viewed from an incident side of the light hv. That is, in the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the frame portion of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> and the light-shielding layer <NUM> are disposed on the incident side of the light hv with respect to the horizontal shift register 5b, the corner register 5c, and the multiplication register 5d.

A configuration of a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to the corner register 5c will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan view of the transfer part <NUM> (specifically, a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to the corner register 5c) illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the transfer part <NUM> along IV-IV line illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the transfer part <NUM> along V-V line illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the transfer part <NUM> includes a first transfer region <NUM>, a second transfer region <NUM>, a third transfer region <NUM>, a first transfer electrode <NUM>, a second transfer electrode <NUM>, and a third transfer electrode <NUM>. The first transfer region <NUM>, the second transfer region <NUM>, and the third transfer region <NUM> are formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM>. The first transfer electrode <NUM>, the second transfer electrode <NUM>, and the third transfer electrode <NUM> are provided in the wiring layer <NUM>.

The first transfer region <NUM> and the first transfer electrode <NUM> correspond to an end portion on a downstream side (downstream side in a direction of electric charge transfer) of the horizontal shift register 5b (see <FIG>). The second transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM> correspond to an end portion on an upstream side (upstream side in the direction of electric charge transfer) of the multiplication register 5d (see <FIG>). The third transfer region <NUM> and the third transfer electrode <NUM> correspond to the corner register 5c.

The first transfer region <NUM> includes a semiconductor region <NUM> formed on one side of the semiconductor layer <NUM> in the Z-axis direction (a side opposite to the incident side of the light hv in the Z-axis direction). The second transfer region <NUM> includes a semiconductor region <NUM> formed on one side of the semiconductor layer <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. The semiconductor region <NUM> and the semiconductor region <NUM> are, for example, N+-type semiconductor regions formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM> by being doped with N-type impurities.

The third transfer region <NUM> includes a first semiconductor region <NUM> and a second semiconductor region <NUM> formed on one side of the semiconductor layer <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. The first semiconductor region <NUM> has a first impurity concentration. The second semiconductor region <NUM> has a second impurity concentration higher than the first impurity concentration. The first semiconductor region <NUM> is, for example, an N--type semiconductor region formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM> by being doped with N-type impurities. The second semiconductor region <NUM> is, for example, an N-type semiconductor region formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM> by being doped with N-type impurities.

An end portion of the third transfer region <NUM> on an upstream side of the first semiconductor region <NUM> and the second semiconductor region <NUM> is connected to an end portion of the first transfer region <NUM> on a downstream side of the semiconductor region <NUM>. An end portion of the third transfer region <NUM> on a downstream side of the first semiconductor region <NUM> and the second semiconductor region <NUM> is connected to an end portion of the second transfer region <NUM> on an upstream side of the semiconductor region <NUM>. Further, in the transfer part <NUM>, a P++-type semiconductor region <NUM> in which a concentration of P-type impurities is higher than that of the P+ type is formed around the semiconductor region <NUM>, the semiconductor region <NUM>, the first semiconductor region <NUM>, and the second semiconductor region <NUM>.

The first transfer electrode <NUM> is disposed on one side of the first transfer region <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. That is, the first transfer electrode <NUM> is disposed on the first transfer region <NUM>. The second transfer electrode <NUM> is disposed on one side of the second transfer region <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. That is, the second transfer electrode <NUM> is disposed on the second transfer region <NUM>. The third transfer electrode <NUM> is disposed on one side of the third transfer region <NUM> in the Z-axis direction. That is, the third transfer electrode <NUM> is disposed on the third transfer region <NUM>. The first transfer electrode <NUM>, the second transfer electrode <NUM>, and the third transfer electrode <NUM> are electrically separated by the interlayer insulating film <NUM>. The first transfer electrode <NUM>, the second transfer electrode <NUM>, and the third transfer electrode <NUM> are formed of, for example, polysilicon.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge to one side (left side in <FIG>) in the X-axis direction along a first line L1. The first line L1 is a straight line extending in the X-axis direction. The second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge to the other side (right side in <FIG>) in the X-axis direction along a second line L2. The second line L2 is a straight line extending in the X-axis direction. A direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the second line L2 is different from a direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the first line L1. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the second line L2 and the direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the first line L1 form an angle of <NUM> degrees.

A third line L3 is deviated from both the first line L1 and the second line L2. That is, the third line L3 is deviated from the first line L1 and is deviated from the second line L2. Here, "the third line L3 is deviated from the first line L1" means that at least a part of the third line L3 is not positioned on an extension line of the first line L1 extending from a downstream end of the first line L1 (on a tangent line extending from the downstream end of the first line L1 if the first line L1 is a curve). Also, "the third line L3 is deviated from the second line L2" means that at least a part of the third line L3 is not positioned on an extension line of the second line L2 extending from an upstream end of the second line L2 (on a tangent line extending from the upstream end of the second line L2 if the second line L2 is a curve). In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the entire third line L3 is not positioned on the extension line of the first line L1 extending from the downstream end of the first line L1, and the entire third line L3 is not positioned on the extension line of the second line L2 extending from the upstream end of the second line L2.

The second line L2 is deviated from the first line L1. Here, "the second line L2 is deviated from the first line L1" means that at least a part of the second line L2 is not positioned on the extension line of the first line L1 extending from the downstream end of the first line L1 (on a tangent line extending from the downstream end of the first line L1 if the first line L1 is a curve). In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the entire second line L2 is not positioned on the extension line of the first line L1 extending from the downstream end of the first line L1.

The third transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side along the third line L3 connected to the first line L1 and the second line L2. That is, the third transfer region <NUM> changes a direction of electric charge transfer from one side (left side in <FIG>) to the other side (right side in <FIG>) in the X-axis direction. The third line L3 is a curve (for example, an arcuate curve) connected to the first line L1 and the second line L2. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the first line L1 and the third line L3 has a relationship in which they are in contact with each other, and the second line L2 and the third line L3 has a relationship in which they are in contact with each other.

A configuration of the third transfer region <NUM> will be described in more detail. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second semiconductor region <NUM> extends along the third line L3 to be widened on the second transfer region <NUM> side. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, a width of the second semiconductor region <NUM> in a normal direction of the third line L3 increases as the second semiconductor region <NUM> comes closer to the second transfer region <NUM> (in other words, with distance away from the first transfer region <NUM>). The third line L3 passes through, for example, a center in a width direction of the second semiconductor region <NUM>. The first semiconductor region <NUM> is disposed on both sides of the second semiconductor region <NUM> in a direction in which the second semiconductor region <NUM> is widened (that is, a width direction of the second semiconductor region <NUM> in the normal direction of the third line L3). Further, a width of the second semiconductor region <NUM> in the normal direction of the third line L3 may increase continuously or may increase in stages.

In the third transfer region <NUM> configured as described above, an electric potential gradient (potential energy gradient) in which electric charge moves from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side is formed along the third line L3. A principle thereof is as follows. That is, in a portion of the third transfer region <NUM> close to the first transfer region <NUM>, since a width of the second semiconductor region <NUM> with respect to a width of the third transfer region <NUM> is small as shown in (a) of <FIG>, fringing from the first semiconductor regions <NUM> on both sides is strong, and an electric potential thereof (the solid line illustrated in (a) of <FIG>) is shallow. On the other hand, in a portion of the third transfer region <NUM> close to the second transfer region <NUM>, since a width of the second semiconductor region <NUM> with respect to the width of the third transfer region <NUM> is large as shown in (b) of <FIG>, fringing from the first semiconductor regions <NUM> on both sides is weak, and an electric potential thereof (the solid line illustrated in (b) of <FIG>) is deep. As described above, in the third transfer region <NUM>, the second semiconductor region <NUM> extends along the third line L3 to be widened on the second transfer region <NUM> side. Therefore, in the third transfer region <NUM>, an electric potential gradient in which electric charge moves from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side is formed along the third line L3. Further, the broken lines illustrated in (a) and (b) of <FIG> each indicate an electric potential when the first semiconductor region <NUM> and the second semiconductor region <NUM> each exist alone.

Transfer of electric charge in a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to the corner register 5c will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are potential energy diagrams of the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> (specifically, a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to the corner register 5c). Further, in the present description, a transfer region adjacent to an upstream side of the first transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer region <NUM>, and a transfer region adjacent to a downstream side of the second transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer region <NUM>. Also, a transfer electrode disposed on the transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer electrode <NUM>, and a transfer electrode disposed on the transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer electrode <NUM>.

First, from a state in which a low voltage is applied to the transfer electrode <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM>, a high voltage is applied to the first transfer electrode <NUM> and the transfer electrode <NUM>, and a high voltage is applied to the third transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (a) of <FIG>, a low voltage is applied to the first transfer electrode <NUM> and the transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (b) and (c) of <FIG>. Thereby, potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM> become shallow, a potential energy of the transfer region <NUM> serves as a barrier, and thereby electric charge (electrons) moves from the first transfer region <NUM> to the third transfer region <NUM>. At this time, since an electric potential gradient (potential energy gradient) in which electric charge moves from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side is formed in the third transfer region <NUM>, the electric charge moves to the second transfer region <NUM> side in the third transfer region <NUM>. Also, a potential energy of the second transfer region <NUM> serves as a barrier, and electric charge moves from the transfer region <NUM> to a transfer region (not shown) on a downstream side. Further, (b) of <FIG> shows a state in which the potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM> are in the process of transition.

Next, a high voltage is applied to the transfer electrode <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (a) of <FIG>. Thereby, potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> become deeper, and electric charge moves from the third transfer region <NUM> to the second transfer region <NUM>. Also, electric charge moves from a transfer region on an upstream side (not shown) to the transfer region <NUM>. Next, a low voltage is applied to the third transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (b) of <FIG>. Thereby, a potential energy of the third transfer region <NUM> becomes shallow. Next, a high voltage is applied to the first transfer electrode <NUM> and the transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (c) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM> become deeper.

Next, a low voltage is applied to the transfer electrode <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (a) and (b) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> become shallow, the potential energy of the third transfer region <NUM> serves as a barrier, and thereby electric charge moves from the second transfer region <NUM> to the transfer region <NUM>. Also, a potential energy of the transfer region on the upstream side serves as a barrier, and electric charge moves from the transfer region <NUM> to the first transfer region <NUM>. Further, (a) of <FIG> shows a state in which the potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> are in the process of transition. Next, a high voltage is applied to the third transfer electrode <NUM> as illustrated in (c) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energy of the third transfer region <NUM> becomes deeper, thereby returning to the state shown in (a) of <FIG>.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the transfer part <NUM> (specifically, a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to the corner register 5c) includes the first transfer region <NUM> configured to transfer electric charge along the first line L1, the second transfer region <NUM> configured to transfer electric charge along the second line L2, and the third transfer region <NUM> configured to transfer electric charge from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side along the third line L3 connected to the first line L1 and the second line L2, in which the third line L3 is deviated from both the first line L1 and the second line L2. Thereby, a direction of electric charge transfer or the like is changed in at least the third transfer region <NUM>. In the third transfer region <NUM>, the second semiconductor region <NUM> having the second impurity concentration higher than the first impurity concentration extends along the third line L3 to be widened on the second transfer region <NUM> side, and the first semiconductor region <NUM> having the first impurity concentration is disposed on both sides of the second semiconductor region <NUM> in a direction in which the second semiconductor region <NUM> is widened. Thereby, an electric potential gradient (potential energy gradient) in which electric charge moves from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side along the third line L3 is formed in the third transfer region <NUM>. Therefore, it is unnecessary to dispose a large number of transfer electrodes on the third transfer region <NUM> to change a direction of electric charge transfer or the like. Therefore, according to the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, in such a case in which a direction of electric charge transfer or the like is changed in the transfer part <NUM>, the electric charge can be reliably transferred while avoiding increase in the number of transfer electrodes.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, since increase in the number of transfer electrodes can be avoided in the transfer part <NUM>, the following specific effects are obtained. That is, decrease in yield due to a structure thereof becoming complicated can be prevented. Also, high-speed driving being hindered due to increase in electrical capacity can be prevented. Further, increase in power consumption can be prevented.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, a direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the second line L2 is different from a direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the first line L1. Thereby, a direction of electric charge transfer can be changed in the transfer part <NUM>.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the third line L3 is a curve. Thereby, a direction of electric charge transfer can be smoothly changed in the transfer part <NUM>.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the transfer part <NUM> includes the third transfer electrode <NUM> disposed on the third transfer region <NUM>. Thereby, since not only electric potentials of the first transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> but also an electric potential of the third transfer region <NUM> can be controlled, the electric charge can be more reliably transferred.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, the light-shielding layer <NUM> is disposed on the incident side of the light hv with respect to the transfer part <NUM>. Thereby, unnecessary electric charge generated in the transfer part <NUM> due to incidence of the light hv on the transfer part <NUM> can be prevented.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> may be a front-illuminated solid-state imaging device as illustrated in <FIG>. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, a semiconductor region <NUM> is formed in a semiconductor layer <NUM> along a surface 22a of the semiconductor layer <NUM>, and an insulating film <NUM>, a wiring layer <NUM>, and a light-shielding layer <NUM> are disposed on the surface 22a of the semiconductor layer <NUM> in that order. In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, light hv is incident on a photoelectric conversion part <NUM> from the surface 22a side of the semiconductor layer <NUM> via an opening 6a of the light-shielding layer <NUM>, the wiring layer <NUM>, and the insulating film <NUM>. The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is different from the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> in that a first transfer electrode <NUM>, a second transfer electrode <NUM>, and a third transfer electrode <NUM> are disposed on an incident side of the light hv with respect to a first transfer region <NUM>, a second transfer region <NUM>, and a third transfer region <NUM>. Further, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view along a line similar to that of <FIG> (that is, along a line IV-IV illustrated in <FIG>).

Also, in the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the semiconductor substrate <NUM> may be made thin in its entirety. In that case, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> may further include a support substrate disposed on a side opposite to the incident side of the light hv with respect to the wiring layer <NUM>.

Also, in the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, in a case in which the frame portion of the semiconductor substrate <NUM> surrounding the recessed part <NUM> is disposed on the incident side of the light hv with respect to the horizontal shift register 5b, the corner register 5c, and the multiplication register 5d, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> may not include the light-shielding layer <NUM>. This is because, when the semiconductor substrate <NUM> includes the frame portion, even if the light hv is incident on the frame portion and electric charge is generated in the frame portion, there is a high likelihood that the electric charge will disappear before reaching the semiconductor layer <NUM>.

Also, the transfer part <NUM> may not include a transfer electrode disposed on the third transfer region <NUM> (a transfer electrode corresponding to the third transfer electrode <NUM> described above). The transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> is different from the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> in that the transfer electrode is not disposed on the third transfer region <NUM>, and a buried layer <NUM> is disposed on the third transfer region <NUM>. In the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the buried layer <NUM> is disposed on one side of the third transfer region <NUM> in the Z-axis direction (incident side of the light hv in the Z-axis direction). That is, the buried layer <NUM> is disposed on the third transfer region <NUM>. The buried layer <NUM> has a conductivity type different from conductivity types of a first semiconductor region <NUM> and a second semiconductor region <NUM>. The buried layer <NUM> is, for example, a P+-type semiconductor region formed in the semiconductor layer <NUM> along the surface 22a of the semiconductor layer <NUM> by being doped with P-type impurities. According to the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, since it is not necessary to dispose a transfer electrode on the third transfer region <NUM>, a configuration thereof can be simplified. Also, generation of a dark current in the third transfer region <NUM> can be suppressed.

Also, when the transfer part <NUM> also functions as a photoelectric conversion part, the light-shielding layer <NUM> may not be disposed on a side of the transfer part <NUM> on which the light hv is incident regardless of whether or not the transfer part <NUM> has the third transfer electrode <NUM>, and furthermore, regardless of whether or not the transfer part <NUM> has the buried layer <NUM>.

Also, a direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along a second line L2 need only be different from a direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along a first line L1. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the second line L2 and the direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the first line L1 may form an angle of <NUM> degrees. As illustrated in <FIG>, the direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the second line L2 and the direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the first line L1 may form an angle of <NUM> degrees.

Also, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first transfer region <NUM>, the third transfer region <NUM>, the second transfer region <NUM>, the third transfer region <NUM>, and the second transfer region <NUM> may be aligned in that order from an upstream side. In this case, for the third transfer region <NUM> on a downstream side, the second transfer region <NUM> adjacent, on an upstream side, to the third transfer region <NUM> on the downstream side corresponds to the first transfer region <NUM>.

Also, if a third line L3 is deviated from at least one of the first line L1 and the second line L2, the direction in which the second transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the second line L2 may be the same as the direction in which the first transfer region <NUM> transfers electric charge along the first line L1 as illustrated in <FIG>. According to such a configuration, in such a case in which a transfer path of electric charge is changed in the transfer part <NUM>, the electric charge can be reliably transferred while avoiding increase in the number of transfer electrodes.

Also, if the third line L3 is deviated from at least one of the first line L1 and the second line L2, the second line L2 may not be deviated from the first line L1 as illustrated in <FIG>. In the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the first line L1 and the second line L2 are positioned on the same straight line, and the third line L3 extends to deviate from the straight line and then return to the straight line. According to such a configuration, for example, in a case in which an object to be avoided by the transfer part <NUM> exists between the first transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM>, and the transfer part <NUM> cannot be formed linearly, the electric charge can be reliably transferred while avoiding increase in the number of transfer electrodes.

Also, transfer of electric charge at a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to a corner register 5c may be performed in a state in which a potential energy of the third transfer region <NUM> is fixed regardless of whether or not the transfer part <NUM> has the third transfer electrode <NUM>. A specific example thereof will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are potential energy diagrams of the transfer part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> (specifically, a portion of the transfer part <NUM> corresponding to the corner register 5c). Further, in the present description, a transfer region adjacent to an upstream side of the first transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer region <NUM>, and a transfer region adjacent to a downstream side of the second transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer region <NUM>. Also, a transfer electrode disposed on the transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer electrode <NUM>, and a transfer electrode disposed on the transfer region <NUM> is referred to as a transfer electrode <NUM>.

First, from a state in which a low voltage is applied to the transfer electrode <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM> and a high voltage is applied to the first transfer electrode <NUM> and the transfer electrode <NUM> (in this state, a potential energy of the third transfer region <NUM> is deeper than potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> and shallower than potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM>) as shown in (a) of <FIG>, a low voltage is applied to the first transfer electrode <NUM> and the transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (b) and (c) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM> become shallow, a potential energy of the transfer region <NUM> serves as a barrier, and electric charge (electrons) moves from the first transfer region <NUM> to the third transfer region <NUM>. At this time, since an electric potential gradient (potential energy gradient) in which electric charge moves from the first transfer region <NUM> side to the second transfer region <NUM> side is formed in the third transfer region <NUM>, the electric charge moves to the second transfer region <NUM> side in the third transfer region <NUM>. Also, the potential energy of the second transfer region <NUM> serves as a barrier, and electric charge moves from the transfer region <NUM> to a transfer region (not shown) on a downstream side. Further, (b) of <FIG> shows a state in which the potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM> are in the process of transition.

Next, a high voltage is applied to the transfer electrode <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (a) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> become deeper, and electric charge moves from the third transfer region <NUM> to the second transfer region <NUM>. Also, electric charge moves from a transfer region on an upstream side (not shown) to the transfer region <NUM>. Next, a high voltage is applied to the first transfer electrode <NUM> and the transfer electrode <NUM> as shown in (b) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energies of the first transfer region <NUM> and the transfer region <NUM> become deeper. Next, a low voltage is applied to the transfer electrode <NUM> and the second transfer electrode <NUM>, as illustrated in (a) and (b) of <FIG>. Thereby, the potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> become shallow, thereby returning to the state shown in (a) of <FIG>. Further, (a) of <FIG> shows a state in which the potential energies of the transfer region <NUM> and the second transfer region <NUM> are in the process of transition. In the process of this transition, the potential energy of the third transfer region <NUM> serves as a barrier, and thereby electric charge moves from the second transfer region <NUM> to the transfer region <NUM>. Also, a potential energy of the transfer region on the upstream side serves as a barrier, and electric charge moves from the transfer region <NUM> to the first transfer region <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A photoelectric conversion device (<NUM>) comprising:
a photoelectric conversion part (<NUM>) configured to generate electric charge according to incidence of light; and a transfer part (<NUM>) configured to transfer the electric charge,
wherein the transfer part (<NUM>) includes: a first transfer region (<NUM>) configured to transfer the electric charge along a first line; a second transfer region (<NUM>) configured to transfer the electric charge along a second line; a third transfer region (<NUM>) configured to transfer the electric charge from the first transfer region (<NUM>) side to the second transfer region (<NUM>) side along a third line (L3) connected to the first line (L1) and the second line (L2); a first transfer electrode (<NUM>) disposed on the first transfer region (<NUM>) ; and a second transfer electrode (<NUM>) disposed on the second transfer region (<NUM>) , the third line (L3) is deviated from at least one of the first line (L1) and
the second line (L2), the third transfer region (<NUM>) includes: a first semiconductor region (<NUM>) having a first impurity concentration; and a second semiconductor region (<NUM>) having a second impurity concentration higher than the first impurity concentration, the second semiconductor region (<NUM>) extends along the third line (L3) to be widened on the second transfer region (<NUM>) side, and the first semiconductor region (<NUM>) is disposed on both sides of the second semiconductor region (<NUM>) in a direction in which the second semiconductor region (<NUM>) is widened.