Patent Description:
A photoelectric conversion device may receive incident light and converts the received incident light into an electric signal. A photoelectric conversion device may include a photodiode and a phototransistor, and may be applied to ("included in") an organic sensor, a photodetector, a solar cell, or the like.

Organic sensors may have higher resolutions and thus may have smaller pixel sizes. Organic sensors may include silicon photodiodes. A sensitivity of a silicon photodiode in an organic sensor may be deteriorated based on reduced pixel size of the organic sensor, as the absorption area of the silicon photodiode may be reduced. Accordingly, organic materials that are capable of replacing silicon in photodiodes of organic sensors have been researched.

An organic material has a high extinction coefficient and is configured to selectively absorb light in a particular wavelength spectrum of light depending on a molecular structure of the organic material, and thus may simultaneously replace a photodiode and a color filter of an organic sensor and resultantly improve sensitivity of the organic sensor and contribute to high integration of the organic sensor.

However, since such organic materials exhibit different characteristics from those of silicon due to high binding energy and a recombination behavior associated with such organic materials, the characteristics of the organic materials are difficult to precisely predict, and thus required properties of a photoelectric conversion device may not be easily controlled.

<CIT> discloses an organic photoelectric device including a first electrode, a metal nanolayer contacting one side of the first electrode, an active layer on one side of the metal nanolayer, and a second electrode on one side of the active layer.

<CIT> discloses an imaging device, a manufacturing device, and a manufacturing method capable of preventing a substance such as hydrogen from entering and preventing change in performance.

<CIT> discloses a transmissive electrode including a light transmission layer.

<CIT> discloses a photoelectric conversion element including a first interconnect, a second interconnect, a photoelectric conversion layer and an insulating layer.

<CIT> discloses a solar cell including a substrate and a stacked body.

Some example embodiments provide one or more photoelectric conversion devices capable of improving charge extraction efficiency.

Some example embodiments provide organic sensors including one or more of the photoelectric conversion device.

Some example embodiments provide electronic devices including the one or more photoelectric conversion devices or the one or more organic sensors.

According to an aspect of the invention, a photoelectric conversion device is provided in accordance with claim <NUM>.

The first electrode may include a transparent electrode having a light transmittance of greater than or equal to <NUM> %, or a reflective electrode having a light transmittance of less than <NUM> %.

The first electrode may include the transparent electrode, and the transparent electrode includes at least one of an oxide conductor and a carbon conductor.

The thickness of the inorganic nanolayer is less than or equal to <NUM>.

The thickness of the inorganic nanolayer may be less than or equal to <NUM>.

The first electrode may be a cathode and the second electrode is an anode.

A difference between the work function of the conductor and the effective work function at the surface of the first electrode facing the photoelectric conversion layer may be greater than or equal to <NUM> eV.

The work function of the conductor may be greater than or equal to <NUM> eV, and the effective work function at the surface of the first electrode facing the photoelectric conversion layer may be less than or equal to <NUM> eV.

The effective work function at the surface of the first electrode facing the photoelectric conversion layer may be less than or equal to <NUM> eV.

The transparent conductor may include an oxide conductor or a carbon conductor.

The inorganic nanolayer may have a thickness of less than or equal to <NUM>. The first electrode may be a cathode and the second electrode may be an anode.

An electronic device may include the photoelectric conversion device.

An organic sensor may include the photoelectric conversion device. The organic sensor may be an organic complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. An electronic device may include the organic sensor such as the organic CMOS image sensor.

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that a person skilled in the art would understand the same. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not to be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein.

In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity.

It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

As used herein, when a definition is not otherwise provided, "substituted" may refer to replacement of a hydrogen atom of a compound or group by a substituent selected from a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an amino group, an azido group, an amidino group, a hydrazino group, a hydrazono group, a carbonyl group, a carbamyl group, a thiol group, an ester group, a carboxyl group or a salt thereof, a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof, phosphoric acid group or a salt thereof, silyl group, a C1 to C20 alkyl group, a C2 to C20 alkenyl group, a C2 to C20 alkynyl group, a C6 to C30 aryl group, a C7 to C30 arylalkyl group, a C1 to C30 alkoxy group, a C1 to C20 heteroalkyl group, a C3 to C20 heteroaryl group, a C3 to C20 heteroarylalkyl group, a C3 to C30 cycloalkyl group, a C3 to C15 cycloalkenyl group, a C6 to C15 cycloalkynyl group, a C3 to C30 heterocycloalkyl group, and a combination thereof.

As used herein, when a definition is not otherwise provided, "hetero" may refer to one including <NUM> to <NUM> heteroatoms selected from N, O, S, Se, Te, Si, and P.

As used herein, when a definition is not otherwise provided, "heterocyclic group" is a generic concept of a heteroaryl group, may include an aromatic and nonaromatic ring including at least one heteroatom, and may include at least one heteroatom selected from N, O, S, P, and Si instead of carbon (C) in a cyclic group such as an aryl group, a cycloalkyl group, a fused ring thereof, or a combination thereof. When the heterocyclic group is a fused ring, the entire ring or each ring of the heterocyclic group may include one or more heteroatoms.

Hereinafter, "combination" may refer to a mixture of two or more and a stack structure of two or more.

Hereinafter, "metal" may refer to metal, semi-metal, or a combination thereof.

Hereinafter, a work function or an energy level is expressed as an absolute value from a vacuum level. In addition, when the work function or the energy level is referred to be deep, high, or large, it may have a large absolute value from "<NUM> eV" of the vacuum level while when the work function or the energy level is referred to be shallow, low, or small, it may have a small absolute value from "<NUM> eV" of the vacuum level.

Hereinafter, a photoelectric conversion device according to some example embodiments is described.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a photoelectric conversion device according to some example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, a photoelectric conversion device <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a first electrode <NUM>, a second electrode <NUM>, a photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, and an inorganic nanolayer <NUM>.

A substrate (not shown) may be disposed at the side of the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM>. The substrate may be for example made of an inorganic material such as glass, an organic material such as polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylenenaphthalate, polyamide, polyethersulfone, or a combination thereof, or a silicon wafer. The substrate may be omitted.

As shown, the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> are facing each other. One of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> is an anode and the other is a cathode. In some example embodiments, the first electrode <NUM> may be a cathode and the second electrode <NUM> may be an anode. In another example, the first electrode <NUM> may be an anode and the second electrode <NUM> may be a cathode.

At least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> may be a transparent electrode, such that the at least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> includes a transparent conductor. Herein, the transparent electrode may include a transparent conductor having a high light transmittance of greater than or equal to <NUM> % and may not include for example a semi-transparent electrode for microcavity. The transparent electrode may include for example a transparent conductor that includes at least one of an oxide conductor and a carbon conductor. The oxide conductor may include for example at least one of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), aluminum tin oxide (AlTO), and aluminum zinc oxide (AZO) and the carbon conductor may include at least one of graphene and carbon nanostructure.

One of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> may be a reflective electrode, such that the at least one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> includes a reflective conductor. Here, the reflective electrode may include, in some example embodiments, a reflective conductor having a light transmittance of less than about <NUM> % or high reflectance of more than or equal to about <NUM> %. The reflective electrode may include a reflective conductor such as a metal and may include, for example aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or an alloy thereof.

In view of the above, it will be understood that the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM> does include a conductor, where the conductor may be a transparent conductor or a reflective conductor. A conductor that is a transparent conductor may have a light transmittance of greater than or equal to about <NUM> %. A conductor that is a reflective conductor may have a light transmittance of less than about <NUM> %.

When the terms "about" or "substantially" are used in this specification in connection with a numerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical value include a tolerance of ±<NUM>% around the stated numerical value. When ranges are specified, the range includes all values therebetween such as increments of <NUM>%.

In some example embodiments, the first electrode <NUM> may be a transparent electrode having a light transmittance of greater than or equal to <NUM> % or a reflective electrode having a light transmittance of less than <NUM> %.

The photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, which, as shown, is between the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>, is configured to absorb light in at least one part of a wavelength spectrum of light and convert the absorbed light into an electric signal, and for example one of light in a green wavelength spectrum of light (hereinafter, referred to as "green light"), light in a blue wavelength spectrum of light (hereinafter, referred to as "blue light"), light in a red wavelength spectrum of light (hereinafter, referred to as "red light") , light in an ultraviolet wavelength spectrum of light (hereinafter, referred to as 'ultraviolet light'), and light in an infrared wavelength spectrum of light (hereinafter, referred to as "infrared light") into an electric signal.

In some example embodiments, the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be configured to selectively absorb at least one of the green light, the blue light, the red light, and the infrared light. Herein, the selective absorption of at least one from the green light, the blue light, the red light, and the infrared light means that a light-absorption spectrum has a peak absorption wavelength (λmax) in one of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, greater than or equal to about <NUM> and less than about <NUM>, greater than about <NUM> and less than or equal to about <NUM>, and greater than about <NUM>, and a light-absorption spectrum in the corresponding wavelength spectrum of light may be remarkably higher than those in the other wavelength spectra of light.

The photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may include a semiconductor material that is at least one p-type semiconductor and/or at least one n-type semiconductor, where the semiconductor material forms a pn junction with the first organic material of the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> and may produce excitons by receiving light from outside and then separate the produced excitons into holes and electrons.

The p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor may be independently light-absorbing materials, and for example at least one of the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor may be an organic light-absorbing material. In some example embodiments, at least one of the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor may be a wavelength-selective light-absorbing material that selectively absorbs light in a particular (or, alternatively, predetermined) wavelength spectrum of light, and for example at least one of the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor may be a wavelength-selective organic light-absorbing material. The p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor may have a peak absorption wavelength (λmax) in the same wavelength spectrum of light or in a different wavelength spectrum of light.

In some example embodiments, the p-type semiconductor may be an organic material having a core structure including an electron donating moiety, a pi conjugation linking group, and an electron accepting moiety.

The p-type semiconductor may be for example represented by Chemical Formula <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

[Chemical Formula <NUM>]     EDG - HA - EAG.

In some example embodiments, the p-type semiconductor represented by Chemical Formula <NUM> may be for example represented by Chemical Formula 1A.

In Chemical Formula 1A,
X may be S, Se, Te, SO, SO<NUM>, or SiRaRb,.

In some example embodiments, in Chemical Formula 1A, Ar1a and Ar2a may independently be one of a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted anthracenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthrenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted pyridinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted pyridazinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted pyrimidinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted pyrazinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted quinolinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted isoquinolinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyridinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted cinnolinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted quinazolinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted phthalazinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted benzotriazinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted pyridopyrazinyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted pyridopyrimidinyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted pyridopyridazinyl group.

In some example embodiments, Ar1a and Ar2a of Chemical Formula 1A may be linked with each other to form a ring or in some example embodiments, Ar1a and Ar2a may be linked with each other by one of a single bond, -(CRgRh)n2- (n2 is <NUM> or <NUM>), -O-, -S-, -Se-, -N=, -NRi-, -SiRjRk-, and -GeRlRm- to form a ring. Herein, Rg to Rm may independently be hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C30 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3 to C30 heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkoxy group, a halogen, or a cyano group.

In some example embodiments, the p-type semiconductor represented by Chemical Formula <NUM> may be for example represented by Chemical Formula 1B.

In Chemical Formula 1B,
X<NUM> may be Se, Te, O, S, SO, or SO<NUM>,.

In some example embodiments, Ar3 of Chemical Formula 1B may be benzene, naphthylene, anthracene, thiophene, selenophene, tellurophene, pyridine, pyrimidine, or a fused ring of the foregoing two or more.

The n-type semiconductor may be for example fullerene or a fullerene derivative, but is not limited thereto.

The photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be an intrinsic layer (an I layer) wherein the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor are mixed as a bulk heterojunction. Herein, the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor may be mixed in a volume ratio of about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, for example about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, or about <NUM>:<NUM>.

The photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be a bilayer including a p-type layer including the p-type semiconductor and an n-type layer including the n-type semiconductor. Herein, a thickness ratio of the p-type layer and the n-type layer may be about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, for example about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, or about <NUM>:<NUM>.

The photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may further include a p-type layer and/or an n-type layer in addition to the intrinsic layer. The p-type layer may include the p-type semiconductor and the n-type layer may include the n-type semiconductor. In some example embodiments, they may be included in various combinations of p-type layer/I layer, I layer/n-type layer, p-type layer/I layer/n-type layer, and the like.

The inorganic nanolayer <NUM> is disposed between the first electrode <NUM> and the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> and is in contact with the first electrode <NUM> and with the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the surface <NUM> of the first electrode <NUM> that faces the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> is covered by the inorganic nanolayer <NUM>. One surface of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> is in contact with the first electrode <NUM> and another, opposite surface of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> is in contact with the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>.

The inorganic nanolayer <NUM> has a thickness less than or equal to <NUM>, preferably less than or equal to about <NUM>, or less than or equal to <NUM>. The inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may have, for example a thickness of about <NUM> to <NUM>, about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to <NUM>.

The inorganic nanolayer <NUM> includes ytterbium (Yb) and may have a lower work function than the first electrode <NUM>. In some example embodiments, a work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be less than a work function of the first electrode <NUM> by about <NUM> eV or greater. Restated, a difference between the work function of the conductor (e.g., the transparent conductor or the reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> and the effective work function at the surface <NUM> of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the first electrode <NUM> (e.g., the work function of the conductor (e.g., transparent conductor or reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM>) may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the first electrode <NUM> may be about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV and the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV, about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV, about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV, or about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV.

In some example embodiments, the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may be formed by thermal evaporation. Since the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> is formed by thermal evaporation as described above, it is possible to prevent the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> from being thermally and physically damaged in its formation process and/or the subsequent process of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM>, and thus to prevent its performance from being deteriorated due to degradation of the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, thereby improving the performance of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>.

The inorganic material that satisfies such characteristics is ytterbium (Yb).

As described above, the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> is in contact with the surface of the first electrode <NUM> between the first electrode <NUM> and the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, and it may have a thin thickness compared with the first electrode <NUM>. Accordingly, the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> may function as a surface-treatment layer of the first electrode <NUM> on the surface of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> and controls the effective work function of the first electrode <NUM> on the surface of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>. Herein, the effective work function is the work function at the interface of the two layers in a structure where the two layers having different electrical characteristics are in contact with each other. The effective work function of the first electrode <NUM> at the interface of the first electrode <NUM> and the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> is controlled by the very-thin inorganic nanolayer <NUM> and is a combined work function of the first electrode <NUM> and the inorganic nanolayer <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, the effective work function on the surface of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be different from the work function of the conductor (e.g., the transparent conductor or the reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> based on the influences of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM>. In some example embodiments, the effective work function on the surface of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be less than the work function of the conductor (e.g., the transparent conductor or the reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM>. The effective work function on the surface of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be the same as the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> or may be a medium value between the work function of the inorganic nanolayer <NUM> and the work function of the first electrode <NUM>.

In some example embodiments, the work function of the conductor (e.g., transparent conductor or reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and an effective work function on ("at") the surface of the first electrode <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the conductor (e.g., transparent conductor or reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and the effective work function on ("at") the surface of the first electrode <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the conductor (e.g., the transparent conductor or the reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV, the effective work function on ("at") the surface <NUM> of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the conductor (e.g., transparent conductor or reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> may be greater than or equal to about <NUM> eV and the effective work function on ("at") the surface of the first electrode <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM> eV. In some example embodiments, the work function of the conductor (e.g., transparent conductor or reflective conductor) of the first electrode <NUM> may be about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV and the effective work function on ("at") the surface of the first electrode <NUM> may be about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV, about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV, about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV, or about <NUM> eV to about <NUM> eV.

By lowering the work function on ("at") the surface of the first electrode <NUM> facing the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> as described above, extraction of charges (e.g., electrons) from the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> and moving to the first electrode <NUM> may be further facilitated, and remaining charge carriers may be further reduced to show higher charge extraction efficiency, thereby improving the performance of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>.

The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> may further include an anti-reflection layer (not shown) on one surface of the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM>. The anti-reflection layer is disposed at a light incidence side and lowers reflectance of light of incident light and thereby light absorbance is further improved, thereby improving performance of an organic complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor that includes the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>. In some example embodiments, when light is incident to the first electrode <NUM>, the anti-reflection layer may be disposed on one surface of the first electrode <NUM>, and when light is incident to the second electrode <NUM>, anti-reflection layer may be disposed on one surface of the second electrode <NUM>.

The anti-reflection layer may include, for example a material having a refractive index of about <NUM> to about <NUM> and may include for example at least one of metal oxide, metal sulfide, and an organic material having a refractive index within the ranges. The anti-reflection layer may include, for example a metal oxide such as aluminum-containing oxide, molybdenum-containing oxide, tungsten-containing oxide, vanadium-containing oxide, rhenium-containing oxide, niobium-containing oxide, tantalum-containing oxide, titanium-containing oxide, nickel-containing oxide, copper-containing oxide, cobalt-containing oxide, manganese-containing oxide, chromium-containing oxide, tellurium-containing oxide, or a combination thereof; metal sulfide such as zinc sulfide; or an organic material such as an amine derivative, but is not limited thereto.

In the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, when light enters from the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM> and the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM> absorbs light in a particular (or, alternatively, predetermined) wavelength spectrum of light, excitons may be produced thereinside. The excitons are separated into holes and electrons in the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, and the separated holes are transported to an anode that is one of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> and the separated electrons are transported to the cathode that is the other of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> so as to flow a current.

However, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a charge auxiliary layer <NUM> between the second electrode <NUM> and the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>. The charge auxiliary layer <NUM> may enhance efficiency by facilitating movement of charges (e.g., holes) separated from the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>.

The charge auxiliary layer <NUM> may include, for example an organic material, an inorganic material, or an organic/inorganic material. The organic material may be an organic compound having hole or electron characteristics and the inorganic material may be, for example metal oxide such as molybdenum oxide, tungsten oxide, or nickel oxide.

The charge auxiliary layer <NUM> may include for example a visible light non-absorbing material that does not absorb light in a visible region substantially, for example a visible light non-absorbing organic material.

In some example embodiments, the visible light non-absorbing material may be a compound represented by Chemical Formula 2A or 2B but is not limited thereto. <CHM>
<CHM>.

In Chemical Formula 2A or 2B,
M<NUM> and M<NUM> may independently be CRnRo, SiRpRq, NRr, O, S, Se, or Te,.

In some example embodiments, the visible light non-absorbing material may be a compound represented by Chemical Formula 2A-<NUM> or 2B-<NUM>, but is not limited thereto. <CHM>
<CHM>.

In Chemical Formula 2A-<NUM> or 2B-<NUM>,
M<NUM>, M<NUM>, G<NUM>, G<NUM>, and R<NUM> to R<NUM> are the same as described above, and
R<NUM> to R<NUM> may independently be hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C30 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C30 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C3 to C30 heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkoxy group, a halogen, or a cyano group.

In some example embodiments, the visible light non-absorbing material may be a compound represented by Chemical Formula 2A-1a or 2B-1a but is not limited thereto. <CHM>
<CHM>.

In Chemical Formula 2A-1a or 2B-1a, R<NUM> to R<NUM> and Ro, and Rn are the same as described above.

The photoelectric conversion devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be applied to ("included in") various electronic devices, for example a solar cell, an organic sensor, a photodetector, and a photosensor, but is not limited thereto.

The photoelectric conversion devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be for example applied to an organic sensor, for example an image sensor as an example of the organic sensor.

Hereinafter, an example of an image sensor including the photoelectric conversion device will be described with reference to the drawings. As an example of an image sensor, an organic CMOS image sensor is described.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an organic CMOS image sensor according to some example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM>, an insulation layer <NUM>, a photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, and a color filter layer <NUM>.

The semiconductor substrate <NUM> may be a silicon substrate, and is integrated with the transmission transistor (not shown) and the charge storage <NUM>. The transmission transistor and/or the charge storage <NUM> may be integrated in each pixel.

A metal wire (not shown) and a pad (not shown) are formed on the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. In order to decrease signal delay, the metal wire and pad may be made of a metal having low resistivity, for example, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and alloys thereof, but are not limited thereto.

The insulation layer <NUM> is formed on the metal wire and the pad. The insulation layer <NUM> may be made of an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon oxide and/or a silicon nitride, or a low dielectric constant (low K) material such as SiC, SiCOH, SiCO, and SiOF. The insulation layer <NUM> has a trench <NUM> exposing the charge storage <NUM>. The trench <NUM> may be filled with fillers.

The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> is formed on the insulation layer <NUM>. The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> includes a first electrode <NUM>, an inorganic nanolayer <NUM>, a photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, and a second electrode <NUM> as described above. Details thereof are the same as described above.

A color filter layer <NUM> is formed on the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>. The color filter layer <NUM> includes a blue filter 70a formed in a blue pixel, a red filter 70b formed in a red pixel, and a green filter 70c formed in a green pixel. However, the color filter layer <NUM> may include a cyan filter, a magenta filter, and/or a yellow filter instead of the above color filters or may further include them in addition to the above color filters. It will be understood that a color filter is configured to selectively transmit a particular wavelength spectrum of light. Where a color filter overlaps a photo-sensing device, the color filter may be configured to selectively transmit a particular wavelength spectrum of light to a photo-sensing device so that the photo-sensing device is configured to absorb, and convert into electrical signals, the particular wavelength spectrum of light.

Focusing lens (not shown) may be further formed on the color filter layer <NUM>. The focusing lens may control a direction of incident light and gather the light in one region. The focusing lens may have a shape of, for example, a cylinder or a hemisphere, but is not limited thereto.

Even though the structure including the stacked photoelectric conversion device <NUM> of <FIG> is for example illustrated in <FIG>, structures in which the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> of <FIG> are stacked may be applied in the same manner.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an organic CMOS image sensor according to some example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM> integrated with a transmission transistor (not shown) and a charge storage <NUM>, an insulation layer <NUM>, a photoelectric conversion device <NUM>, and a color filter layer <NUM>.

However, in the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments, the positions of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> are changed. That is, the first electrode <NUM> may be a light-receiving electrode.

<FIG> is a schematic top plan view of an organic CMOS image sensor according to some example embodiments and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing one example of the organic CMOS image sensor of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM> integrated with photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, a transmission transistor (not shown), and a charge storage <NUM>, a lower insulation layer <NUM>, a color filter layer <NUM>, an upper insulation layer <NUM>, and a photoelectric conversion device <NUM>.

The semiconductor substrate <NUM> may be a silicon substrate and is integrated with the photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, the transmission transistor (not shown), and the charge storage <NUM>. The photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b may be photodiodes.

The photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, the transmission transistor, and/or the charge storage <NUM> may be integrated in each pixel, and as shown in the drawing, the photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b may be respectively included in a blue pixel and a red pixel and the charge storage <NUM> may be included in a green pixel.

The photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b sense light, the information sensed by the photo-sensing devices may be transferred by the transmission transistor, the charge storage <NUM> is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> that will be described later, and the information of the charge storage <NUM> may be transferred by the transmission transistor.

A metal wire (not shown) and a pad (not shown) are formed on the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. In order to decrease signal delay, the metal wire and pad may be made of a metal having low resistivity, for example, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and alloys thereof, but are not limited thereto. However, it is not limited to the structure, and the metal wire and pad may be disposed under the photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b.

The lower insulation layer <NUM> is formed on the metal wire and the pad. The lower insulation layer <NUM> may be made of an inorganic insulating material such as a silicon oxide and/or a silicon nitride, or a low dielectric constant (low K) material such as SiC, SiCOH, SiCO, and SiOF. The lower insulation layer <NUM> has a trench exposing the charge storage <NUM>. The trench may be filled with fillers.

A color filter layer <NUM> is formed on the lower insulation layer <NUM>. The color filter layer <NUM> includes a blue filter 70a formed in a blue pixel and a red filter 70b formed in a red pixel. In some example embodiments, a green filter is not included, but a green filter may be further included.

The upper insulation layer <NUM> is formed on the color filter layer <NUM>. The upper insulation layer <NUM> may eliminate a step caused by the color filter layer <NUM> and smoothen the surface. The upper insulation layer <NUM> and the lower insulation layer <NUM> may include a contact hole (not shown) exposing a pad, and a through-hole <NUM> ("trench") exposing the charge storage <NUM> of the green pixel.

The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> is formed on the upper insulation layer <NUM>. The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> includes the first electrode <NUM>, the inorganic nanolayer <NUM>, the photoelectric conversion layer <NUM>, and the second electrode <NUM> as described above. Details are the same as described above.

Focusing lens (not shown) may be further formed on the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>. The focusing lens may control a direction of incident light and gather the light in one region. The focusing lens may have a shape of, for example, a cylinder or a hemisphere, but is not limited thereto.

Even though the structure including the stacked photoelectric conversion device <NUM> of <FIG> is for example illustrated in <FIG>, a structure in which the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> of <FIG> is stacked may be applied in the same manner.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an organic CMOS image sensor.

Referring to <FIG>, the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM> integrated with photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, a transmission transistor (not shown), and a charge storage <NUM>, a lower insulation layer <NUM>, a color filter layer <NUM>, an upper insulation layer <NUM>, and a photoelectric conversion device <NUM>.

However, in the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments, the positions of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> are changed. That is, the first electrode <NUM> may be a light-receiving electrode.

An organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM> integrated with photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, a transmission transistor (not shown), and a charge storage <NUM>, an upper insulation layer <NUM> having a through-hole <NUM>, and a photoelectric conversion device <NUM>.

However, in the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments, the photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b are stacked in a vertical direction and the color filter layer <NUM> is omitted. The photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b are electrically connected to charge storage (not shown) and may be transferred by the transmission transistor. The photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b may selectively absorb light in each wavelength spectrum of light depending on a stack depth.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM> integrated with photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, a transmission transistor (not shown), and a charge storage <NUM>, an upper insulation layer <NUM> having a through-hole <NUM>, and a photoelectric conversion device <NUM>. However, in the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments, the positions of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> are changed. That is, the first electrode <NUM> may be a light-receiving electrode.

<FIG> is a schematic top plan view of an organic CMOS image sensor according to some example embodiments and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the organic CMOS image sensor of <FIG>.

An organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments has a structure in which a green photoelectric conversion device selectively absorbing light in a green wavelength spectrum of light, a blue photoelectric conversion device selectively absorbing light in a blue wavelength spectrum of light, and a red photoelectric conversion device selectively absorbing light in a red wavelength spectrum of light are stacked.

The organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM>, a lower insulation layer <NUM>, an intermediate insulation layer <NUM>, an upper insulation layer <NUM>, a first photoelectric conversion device 100a, a second photoelectric conversion device 100b, and a third photoelectric conversion device 100c.

The semiconductor substrate <NUM> may be a silicon substrate and is integrated with the transmission transistor (not shown) and the charge storage 55a, 55b, and 55c.

A metal wire (not shown) and a pad (not shown) are formed on the semiconductor substrate <NUM>, and the lower insulation layer <NUM> is formed on the metal wire and the pad.

The first photoelectric conversion device 100a is formed on the lower insulation layer <NUM>.

The first photoelectric conversion device 100a includes a first electrode 10a and a second electrode 20a facing each other, and a photoelectric conversion layer 30a and an inorganic nanolayer 40a disposed between the first electrode 10a and the second electrode 20a. The first electrode 10a, the second electrode 20a, the photoelectric conversion layer 30a, and the inorganic nanolayer 40a are the same as described above, and the photoelectric conversion layer 30a may selectively absorb light in one of red, blue, and green wavelength spectra of light. In some example embodiments, the first photoelectric conversion device 100a may be a red photoelectric conversion device.

The intermediate insulation layer <NUM> may be formed on the first photoelectric conversion device 100a.

The second photoelectric conversion device 100b may be formed on the intermediate insulation layer <NUM>.

The second photoelectric conversion device 100b includes a first electrode 10b and a second electrode 20b, and a photoelectric conversion layer 30b and an inorganic nanolayer 40b between the first electrode 10b and the second electrode 20b. The first electrode 10b, the second electrode 20b, the photoelectric conversion layer 30b, and the inorganic nanolayer 40b are the same as described above, and the photoelectric conversion layer 30b may selectively absorb light in one of red, blue, and green wavelength spectra of light. In some example embodiments, the first photoelectric conversion device 100b may be a blue photoelectric conversion device.

The upper insulation layer <NUM> may be formed on the second photoelectric conversion device 100b. The lower insulation layer <NUM>, the intermediate insulation layer <NUM>, and the upper insulation layer <NUM> have a plurality of a plurality of through-holes exposing the charge storages 55a, 55b, and 55c.

The third photoelectric conversion device 100c is formed on the upper insulation layer <NUM>. The third photoelectric conversion device 100c includes a first electrode 10c and a second electrode 20c facing each other, and a photoelectric conversion layer 30c and an inorganic nanolayer 40c disposed between the first electrode 10c and the second electrode 20c. The first electrode 10c, the second electrode 20c, the photoelectric conversion layer 30c, and the inorganic nanolayer 40c are the same as described above, and the photoelectric conversion layer 30c may selectively absorb light in one of red, blue, and green wavelength spectra of light. In some example embodiments, the third photoelectric conversion device 100c may be a green photoelectric conversion device and may be the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>.

Focusing lens (not shown) may be further formed on the photoelectric conversion device 100c. The focusing lens may control a direction of incident light and gather the light in one region. The focusing lens may have a shape of, in some example embodiments, a cylinder or a hemisphere, but is not limited thereto.

In the drawing, even though as the first photoelectric conversion device 100a, the second photoelectric conversion device 100b, and the third photoelectric conversion device 100c, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> of <FIG> is for example illustrated, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> of <FIG> may be applied in the same manner.

In the drawing, the first photoelectric conversion device 100a, the second photoelectric conversion device 100b, and the third photoelectric conversion device 100c are sequentially stacked, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and they may be stacked in various orders.

As described above, the first photoelectric conversion device 100a, the second photoelectric conversion device 100b, and the third photoelectric conversion device 100c are stacked, and thus the size of an image sensor may be reduced to realize a down-sized image sensor.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of an organic sensor according to some example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM>, a lower insulation layer <NUM>, an intermediate insulation layer <NUM>, an upper insulation layer <NUM>, a first photoelectric conversion device 100a, a second photoelectric conversion device 100b, and a third photoelectric conversion device 100c. However, the positions of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> of the first photoelectric conversion device 100a, the second photoelectric conversion device 100b, and the third photoelectric conversion device 100c are changed. That is, the first electrode <NUM> may be a light-receiving electrode.

The photoelectric conversion device and the organic CMOS image sensor may be applied to various electronic devices, for example a mobile phone or a digital camera, but are not limited thereto.

<FIG> is a schematic top plan view showing an example of an organic CMOS image sensor according to some example embodiments, and <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the organic CMOS image sensor of <FIG>.

As shown with reference to <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> may include a photoelectric conversion device <NUM> that itself includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> on a semiconductor substrate <NUM>, where the plurality of photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to convert different wavelength spectra of light (e.g., different ones of blue light, green light, or red light) into electric signals, respectively. As shown in <FIG>, the separate photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may be horizontally arranged on the semiconductor substrate <NUM> such that the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> are partially or entirely overlapped with each other in a direction that extends in parallel with a top surface 110a of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. As shown each separate photoelectric conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to a separate charge storage <NUM> that is integrated into the semiconductor substrate <NUM> via a separate trench <NUM>.

Each photoelectric conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> is one of the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> described herein. In some example embodiments, separate photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may include different portions of a common, continuous layer that extends continuously between two or more of the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>. In some example embodiments, the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may share a common first electrode <NUM> and a common second electrode <NUM>. In another example, two or more of the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may have different photoelectric conversion layers <NUM> that are configured to absorb different wavelength spectra of incident light. In another example, two or more of the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> may have different configurations of inorganic nanolayers <NUM>. Other structures of organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> may be are the same as one or more of the organic CMOS image sensors described with reference to any of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of an organic CMOS image sensor according to some example embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> may include a semiconductor substrate <NUM> and photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM> that are stacked on each other so as to at least partially overlap in a direction extending perpendicular to the top surface 110a of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>, and wherein at least one of the photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM> further includes multiple photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> that are arranged so as to overlap in a direction extending parallel to the top surface 110a of the semiconductor substrate <NUM>, and where the plurality of photoelectric conversion devices <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to convert different wavelength spectra of light (e.g., different ones of blue light, green light, or red light) into electric signals, respectively. It will be understood that, in some example embodiments, photoelectric conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> includes multiple, horizontally-arranged photoelectric conversion devices configured to absorb different wavelengths spectra of light while photoelectric conversion device <NUM> is limited to a single photoelectric conversion device that is configured to absorb a single wavelength spectrum of light. In some example embodiments, including the example embodiments shown in <FIG>, an entirety of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> overlaps a limited portion of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> in the direction extending perpendicular to the top surface 110a and a remainder portion of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> that is exposed by the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> is covered by insulation layer <NUM>. However, it will be understood that in some example embodiments an entirety of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM>-<NUM> overlaps a limited portion of the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> in the direction extending perpendicular to the top surface 110a. Other structures of organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> are the same as one or more of the organic CMOS image sensors described with reference to any of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> according to some example embodiments includes a semiconductor substrate <NUM> integrated with photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b, a transmission transistor (not shown) and a charge storage <NUM>, a lower insulation layer <NUM>, and a color filter layer <NUM> on the semiconductor substrate <NUM>, and a photoelectric conversion device <NUM> under the semiconductor substrate <NUM>. The photoelectric conversion device <NUM> shown in <FIG> is any of the example embodiments of photoelectric conversion devices described herein. As shown in <FIG>, the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> may be on (e.g., above or beneath) the semiconductor substrate <NUM>, such that the color filter layer <NUM> is distal from the photoelectric conversion device <NUM> in relation to the photo-sensing devices 50a and 50b. Other structures of organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> are the same as one or more of the organic CMOS image sensors described with reference to any of <FIG>.

It will be understood that, where an organic CMOS image sensor includes a photo-sensing device and a photoelectric conversion device, the photo-sensing device and the photoelectric conversion device may be configured to absorb different, first and second wavelength spectra of light and convert said absorbed light into electric signals.

While <FIG> illustrates example embodiments where color filters 70a, 70b of a color filter layer overlap separate, respective photo-sensing devices 50a, 50b, it will be understood that in some example embodiments an organic CMOS image sensor may include one or more photo-sensing devices and may omit one or more color filters 70a, 70b overlapping the one or more photo-sensing devices in the direction extending perpendicular to the top surface 110a. Such one or more photo-sensing devices may be configured to sense light having a particular, limited wavelength spectrum of light in the absence of the light being filtered by a color filter prior to being received at the photo-sensing device. Accordingly, it will be understood that, in some example embodiments, the organic CMOS image sensors described herein according to various example embodiments may omit the color filters illustrated in said organic CMOS image sensors.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to some example embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and an organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> that are electrically coupled together via a bus <NUM>. The organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> may be an organic CMOS image sensor of any of the example embodiments as described herein, and the organic CMOS image sensor included in the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM> may include any of the photoelectric conversion devices described herein according to any of the example embodiments of the inventive concepts. The memory <NUM>, which may be a non-transitory computer readable medium, may store a program of instructions. The processor <NUM> may execute the stored program of instructions to perform one or more functions. In some example embodiments, the processor <NUM> may be configured to process electric signals generated by the organic CMOS image sensor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may be configured to generate an output (e.g., an image to be displayed on a display interface) based on processing the electric signals.

Hereinafter, some example embodiments are illustrated in more detail with reference to examples.

A <NUM>-thick anode is formed by sputtering ITO on a glass substrate. Subsequently, on the anode, a <NUM>-thick charge auxiliary layer is formed by depositing a compound represented by Chemical Formula A. On the charge auxiliary layer, a <NUM>-thick photoelectric conversion layer is formed by codepositing a p-type semiconductor (λmax: <NUM>) represented by Chemical Formula B-<NUM> and an n-type semiconductor, fullerene C60, in a volume ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. Subsequently, on the photoelectric conversion layer, a <NUM>-thick inorganic nanolayer is formed by thermally depositing Yb (WF: <NUM> eV). On the inorganic nanolayer, a <NUM>-thick cathode is formed by sputtering ITO (WF: <NUM> eV). On the cathode, a <NUM>-thick anti-reflection layer is formed by depositing aluminum oxide (Al<NUM>O<NUM>), and then, a glass plate is used for sealing to manufacture a photoelectric conversion device. <CHM>
<CHM>.

A photoelectric conversion device is manufactured according to the same method as Example <NUM> except that the inorganic nanolayer is not formed.

A photoelectric conversion device is manufactured according to the same method as Example <NUM> except that the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor are codeposited in a volume ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> to form a <NUM>-thick photoelectric conversion layer.

A photoelectric conversion device is manufactured according to the same method as Example <NUM> except that the p-type semiconductor and the n-type semiconductor are codeposited in a volume ratio of <NUM>:<NUM> to form an <NUM>-thick photoelectric conversion layer.

Remaining electrons characteristics of the photoelectric conversion devices of Examples and Comparative Examples are evaluated.

The remaining electrons characteristics indicate an amount of charges photoelectrically-converted in one frame but not signal-treated and remain and thus read in the next frame and are evaluated by irradiating light in a wavelength spectrum of light in which a photoelectric conversion occurs into the photoelectric conversion devices according to Examples and Comparative Examples for a particular (or, alternatively, predetermined) time and then, turning the light off, and measuring a current amount per a <NUM>-<NUM> second unit using a Keithley <NUM> equipment. The results are shown in Tables <NUM> to <NUM>.

Referring to Tables <NUM> to <NUM>, the photoelectric conversion devices including the inorganic nanolayer according to Examples show improved remaining electrons characteristics compared with the photoelectric conversion devices including no inorganic nanolayer according to Comparative Examples.

Photoelectric conversion efficiency of the photoelectric conversion devices according to Examples and Comparative Examples is evaluated.

The photoelectric conversion efficiency (EQE) is evaluated in a wavelength spectrum of light of <NUM> to <NUM> in an Incident Photon to Current Efficiency (IPCE) method. The results are shown in Tables <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to Tables <NUM> and <NUM>, the photoelectric conversion devices according to Examples show equivalent or improved photoelectric conversion efficiency compared with the photoelectric conversion devices according to Comparative Examples.

An image sensor is designed by respectively applying the photoelectric conversion devices according to Examples and Comparative Examples, and YSNR10 of the organic CMOS image sensor is evaluated.

The YSNR10 of the organic CMOS image sensor is a luminance (unit: lux) in which a ratio of signal to noise (signal/noise) becomes <NUM>, wherein the signal is a signal sensitivity obtained by performing a RGB raw signal calculated by a FDTD (finite difference time domain method) with a color correction step through a color correction matrix (CCM), and the noise is a noise generated when measuring the signal in the organic CMOS image sensor. The color correction step is a step of reducing a difference from the real color by image-processing the RGB raw signal obtained from the organic CMOS image sensor. As the YSNR10 has the lower value, the image characteristics are getting the better at a low luminance.

Claim 1:
A photoelectric conversion device (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 100a, 100b, 100c, <NUM>), comprising:
a first electrode (<NUM>, 10a, 10b, 10c) and a second electrode (<NUM>, 20a, 20b, 20c) facing each other;
a photoelectric conversion layer (<NUM>, 30a, 30b, 30c) between the first electrode (<NUM>, 10a, 10b, 10c) and the second electrode (<NUM>, 20a, 20b, 20c), the photoelectric conversion layer (<NUM>, 30a, 30b, 30c) configured to absorb light in at least one part of a wavelength spectrum of light and to convert the absorbed light into an electric signal; and
an inorganic nanolayer (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c) having a thickness equal to or less than <NUM> nanometers (nm) between the first electrode (<NUM>, 10a, 10b, 10c) and the photoelectric conversion layer (<NUM>, 30a, 30b, 30c),
wherein
one surface of the inorganic nanolayer (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c) is in contact with the first electrode (<NUM>, 10a, 10b, 10c), and
another, opposite surface of the inorganic nanolayer (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c) is in contact with the photoelectric conversion layer (<NUM>, 30a, 30b, 30c),
characterized in that the inorganic nanolayer (<NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c) includes a lanthanide element, and the lanthanide element is ytterbium (Yb).