PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12094986-B1
Application Number: US-202117412097-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Quantum-efficiency enhanced optical detector pixel having one or more optical scattering structures

Abstract:
Various optical detector pixel embodiments are described. One optical detector pixel includes a photodiode having a first end opposite a second end, a set of lateral walls joining the first end and the second end, and a depth parallel to the set of lateral walls. A lens is positioned to direct light toward the first end of the photodiode. A set of one or more optical scattering structures laterally extends at least partially into an illumination area defined by the lens and has a set of sidewalls extending away from the first end. The set of sidewalls includes a pair of sidewalls forming an included angle. The included angle extends perpendicular to the depth of the photodiode. The pair of sidewalls abut a portion of the photodiode.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A pixel of an optical detector, comprising:
 a photodiode having a first end opposite a second end, a set of one or more lateral walls joining the first end and the second end, a depth parallel to the set of one or more lateral walls, and a set of one or more trenches in the first end; 
 a lens positioned to direct light toward the first end of the photodiode; and 
 a set of one or more optical scattering structures disposed in the set of one or more trenches,
 laterally extending at least partially into an illumination area defined by the lens; and 
 having a set of sidewalls extending away from the first end, the set of sidewalls including a pair of sidewalls forming an included angle in an exterior of an optical scattering structure of the set of one or more optical scattering structures, the included angle extending perpendicular to the depth of the photodiode, and the pair of sidewalls abutting a portion of the photodiode that extends into the included angle. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein the included angle is an acute angle. 
     
     
       3. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein the included angle is an obtuse angle. 
     
     
       4. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein the set of sidewalls defines a multiple-step wall including the pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       5. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein the set of one or more optical scattering structures has a lateral cross-section defined by two triangles joined by a bridge. 
     
     
       6. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein the set of one or more optical scattering structures has a lateral cross-section defined by two intersecting triangles. 
     
     
       7. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein the set of one or more optical scattering structures has a lateral cross-section defined by two or more laterally spaced apart optical scattering structures. 
     
     
       8. The pixel of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the pair of sidewalls includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall; 
 the set of sidewalls includes a third sidewall; 
 a first intersection between the first sidewall and the second sidewall defines a first obtuse angle; 
 a second intersection between the third sidewall and the second sidewall defines a second obtuse angle; and 
 respective normals to the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the third sidewall intersect. 
 
     
     
       9. The pixel of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a semiconductor structure; wherein, 
 an edge of the pair of sidewalls is positioned to,
 receive a portion of the light directed toward the first end of the photodiode; and 
 laterally scatter the received portion of the light away from the semiconductor structure. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The pixel of  claim 9 , wherein the semiconductor structure comprises a memory node. 
     
     
       11. The pixel of  claim 9 , further comprising an oxide wall or an oxide/metal wall extending at least partially around the set of one or more lateral walls of the photodiode. 
     
     
       12. A pixel of an optical detector, comprising:
 a first region including a photodiode; 
 a second region including a memory node; 
 an oxide wall or an oxide/metal wall positioned at least partly between the first region and the second region; and 
 a set of one or more optical scattering structures positioned at least partially within the photodiode and defining a set of edges, the set of edges including at least one of,
 a curved edge; or 
 a first edge oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a second edge. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The pixel of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the set of edges includes the curved edge; and 
 the curved edge has a concave shape. 
 
     
     
       14. The pixel of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the set of edges includes the first edge and the second edge; and 
 the set of one or more optical scattering structures includes,
 a first optical scattering structure including the first edge; and 
 a second optical scattering structure, laterally spaced apart from the first optical scattering structure, including the second edge. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The pixel of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the set of one or more optical scattering structures includes,
 a first optical scattering structure extending to a first depth within the photodiode, the first depth perpendicular to a light receiving surface of the first optical scattering structure; and 
 a second optical scattering structure extending to a second depth within the photodiode, different than the first depth, the second depth extending in a same direction as the first depth. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The pixel of  claim 12 , wherein the set of one or more optical scattering structures includes an optical scattering structure that is symmetric about first, second, and third orthogonal axes. 
     
     
       17. The pixel of  claim 12 , wherein the set of one or more optical scattering structures includes an optical scattering structure that is symmetric about first and second orthogonal axes, and asymmetric about a third axis orthogonal to each of the first and second orthogonal axes.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments generally relate to optical detectors. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to optical detector pixels having one or more optical scattering structures that enhance their quantum efficiency (QE). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sensors are included in many of today&#39;s electronic devices, including electronic devices such as smartphones, computers (e.g., tablet computers or laptop computers), wearable electronic devices (e.g., electronic watches, smart watches, or health monitors), game controllers, navigation systems (e.g., vehicle navigation systems or robot navigation systems), and so on. Sensors may variously sense the presence of objects, distances to objects, proximities of objects, movements of objects (e.g., whether objects are moving, or the speed, acceleration, or direction of movement of objects), compositions of objects, and so on. A sensor (e.g., an image sensor or a camera) may also or alternatively acquire an image of an object. One useful type of sensor is the optical detector. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatus described in the present disclosure pertain to optical detectors having one or more optical detector pixels (“detector pixels”) and, more particularly, to optical detectors having optical scattering structures that help to scatter received light within a photodiode of an optical detector pixel, so that the light is more fully absorbed by the photodiode, thereby increasing the quantum efficiency (QE) of both the photodiode and the optical detector pixel. Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatus described in the present disclosure also pertain to optical scattering structures that are constructed and positioned to scatter light away from one or more semiconductor structures (e.g., memory nodes) that might be adversely impacted by scattered light. 
     In a first aspect, a pixel of an optical detector is described. The pixel may include a photodiode having a first end opposite a second end, a set of lateral walls joining the first end and the second end, and a depth parallel to the set of lateral walls. A lens may be positioned to direct light toward the first end of the photodiode. A set of one or more optical scattering structures may laterally extend at least partially into an illumination area defined by the lens, and may have a set of sidewalls extending away from the first end. The set of sidewalls may include a pair of sidewalls forming an included angle. The included angle may abut a portion of the photodiode. 
     In a second aspect, another pixel of an optical detector is a described. The pixel may include a first region including a photodiode, a second region including a memory node, an oxide wall positioned at least partly between the first region and the second region, and a set of one or more optical scattering structures positioned at least partially within the photodiode and defining a set of edges. The set of edges may include one or more of a curved edge, or a first edge oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a second edge. 
     In a third aspect, another pixel of an optical detector is described. The pixel may include a photodiode and an optical scattering structure positioned on or in the photodiode. The optical scattering structure may have a set of sidewalls. The set of sidewalls may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may be adjoining sidewalls, and the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be non-orthogonal and define an included angle. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may abut a portion of the photodiode. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows an isometric view of an example single-pixel optical detector; 
         FIG.  2    shows an isometric view of an example multiple-pixel optical detector; 
         FIG.  3 A  shows an elevation of a first example pixel including a set of one or more optical scattering structures, which pixel may be used as, or in, an optical detector; 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a top down plan view of the example pixel shown in  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4 A  shows an elevation of a second example pixel including a set of one or more optical scattering structures, which pixel may be used as, or in, an optical detector; 
         FIG.  4 B  shows a top down plan view of the example pixel shown in  FIG.  4 A ; 
         FIG.  4 C  shows an enlarged top down plan view of the optical scattering structure shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B ; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  show additional example optical scattering structures that may be used in one or more of the optical detector pixels described with reference to  FIG.  1 ,  2 ,  3 A- 3 B , or  4 A- 4 C, or in other optical detector pixels; 
         FIG.  6 A  shows an elevation of a third example pixel, which pixel includes optical scattering structures positioned at different depths within the pixel; 
         FIG.  6 B  shows a plan view of the example pixel shown in  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  7 A  shows an elevation of a fourth example pixel, which pixel includes optical scattering structures positioned at different depths within the pixel; and 
         FIG.  7 B  shows a plan view of the example pixel shown in  FIG.  7 A . 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The systems, devices, methods, and apparatus described in the present disclosure pertain to both single-pixel optical detectors, as might be used for ambient light sensing (ALS), wireless communication, proximity sensing, and so on, and multiple-pixel optical detectors, as might be used in a camera and/or image sensor (e.g., a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor), fingerprint sensor, depth sensor, and so on. To improve the QE of such an optical detector, an optical scattering structure may be disposed in a trench formed in a first end (e.g., in a light-receiving end) of a photodiode of the optical detector. Alternatively, the optical scattering structure may be embedded under a light-receiving surface of the first end of the photodiode. In some cases, more than one optical scattering structure may be provided, in different trenches in the light-receiving end of the photodiode and/or at the same or different depths under the light-receiving surface of the photodiode. 
     At times, an optical scattering structure can scatter light in undesirable directions, such as toward a memory node, transistor, or other structure of an optical detector pixel. This can result in increased optical crosstalk, increased parasitic light sensitivity (PLS), decreased modulation transfer function (MTF), and so on, and can in some cases degrade the performance (or even change the output) of an optical detector pixel. For example, undesirable scatter of light may result in a global shutter image sensor pixel (e.g., a pixel of a camera) or time-of-flight image sensor pixel producing an incorrect output. To reduce the scattering of light in undesirable directions, the optical detector pixels described herein include optical scattering structures having sidewalls, edges, and positions that can mitigate the scattering of light in undesirable directions and sometimes increase the scattering of light in desirable directions. 
     These and other aspects are described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 7 B . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
     Directional terminology, such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “over”, “under”, “above”, “below”. “left”, “right”, etc. is used with reference to the orientation of some of the components in some of the figures described below. Because components in various embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, directional terminology is used for purposes of defining relative positions of various structures, and may not always define absolute positions. For example, a first structure described as being “above” a second structure and “below” a third structure is also “between” the second and third structures, and would be “above” the third structure and “below” the second structure if the stack of structures were to be flipped. Also, as used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes one or more of any of the items, or one or more of any combination of the items, or one or more of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to one or more of only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, or C; and one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it may be appreciated that an order of elements presented for a conjunctive or disjunctive list provided herein should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only that order provided. 
     As used herein, a “layer” refers to one or more materials that are typically, but not necessarily, parallel to the top surface and/or bottom surface of a substrate or another layer. 
       FIG.  1    shows an isometric view of an example single-pixel optical detector  100 . By way of example, the optical detector  100  may be configured as an ALS, a wireless signal receiver, a proximity sensor, a display pixel health or calibration sensor, a reflected light sensor (e.g., a sensor that detects light emitted by a device and reflected off of one or more of a component of a device, a user of a device, or an object around which the device or a user of the device wants to navigate), and so on. 
     The optical detector  100  may include a photodiode  102 . In some cases, the photodiode  102  may be formed on or in a substrate  104  (e.g., a semiconductor substrate, such as a silicon (Si) or gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate). The photodiode  102  may be formed by means of epitaxial growth of one or more layers on the substrate  104 , diffusion of ions into the substrate  104 , implantation of ions into the substrate  104  (i.e., ion implantation), and so on. One or more other semiconductor structures (e.g., transistors, memory nodes, and so on) and/or layers of electrical interconnect (e.g., one or more patterned metal layers) may also be formed on or in the substrate  104 . The other semiconductor structure(s) or layers of electrical interconnect may be used to bias the photodiode  102 , clear (reset) a charge on the photodiode  102 , read a charge from the photodiode  102 , and so on. 
     A lens  106  may be positioned to direct light toward a first end (or light-receiving end, or light-receiving surface) of the photodiode  102 . The light-receiving end of the photodiode  102  may have a light-receiving surface that is generally parallel to a top or bottom surface of the substrate  104 . In some embodiments, and as shown, the lens  106  may be formed in a dielectric material and attached to the optical detector  100  (e.g., in a frontside illumination (FSI) configuration of the optical detector  100 ). In other embodiments, the lens  106  may be formed (e.g., etched) into the substrate  104  (e.g., in a backside illumination (BSI) configuration of the optical detector  100 ), and the photodiode  102  may receive light through the substrate  104 . 
     Optionally, an anti-reflective material  108  may be deposited or grown on the light-receiving end of the photodiode  102 , between the photodiode  102  and the lens  106 . 
     A controller  110  may be directly or indirectly connected to the optical detector  100 , and may provide signals (or instructions) for operating the optical detector  100 . The signals (or instructions) may cause the optical detector  100  to be reset, enabled during a light integration period or light detection period, read, and so on. 
       FIG.  2    shows an isometric view of an example multiple-pixel optical detector  200 . The optical detector  200  may include a set or an array of pixels  202 . By way of example, the array of pixels  202  are shown to be arranged in m columns and n rows (i.e., in an m×n array of pixels  202 , where m and n are the same or different integers). However, the array of pixels  202  may alternatively be arranged in a single column or row, in concentric circles or other patterns, or in other ways. 
     Similarly to the optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  1   , the optical detector  200  may be configured as an ambient light sensor, a wireless signal receiver, a proximity sensor, a display pixel health or calibration sensor, a reflected light sensor (e.g., a sensor that detects light emitted by a device and reflected off of one or more of a component of a device, a user of a device, or an object around which the device or a user of the device wants to navigate), and so on. The optical detector  200  may also be used as a camera, image sensor, fingerprint sensor, depth sensor, and so on. Each pixel  202  of the optical detector  200  may be configured the same as, or similarly to, the single-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  1   , and may include a photodiode  204 , a substrate  206 , a lens  208 , and/or an anti-reflective material  210 . 
     A controller  212  may be directly or indirectly connected to the optical detector  200 , and may provide signals (or instructions) for operating the optical detector  200 . The signals (or instructions) may cause the array of pixels  202  of the optical detector  200  to be reset, enabled during a light integration period or light detection period, read, and so on. In some cases, the pixels  202  may be operated individually. In other cases, the pixels  202  may be operated collectively or in different subsets. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  show a first example pixel  300  including a set of one or more optical scattering structures  308 .  FIG.  3 A  shows an elevation of the pixel  300  (from view III-B—III-B in  FIG.  3 B ), and  FIG.  3 B  shows a top-down plan view of the pixel  300  (from view III-A-III-A in  FIG.  3 A ). The pixel  300  may be used as, or in, an optical detector. In some embodiments, the pixel  300  may take the form of the single-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  1   , or one of the pixels in the multiple-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The pixel  300  may include a first region  302  and a second region  304 . By way of example, the second region  304  is shown to surround the first region  302 . In alternative embodiments, the second region  304  may be adjacent the first region  302  (e.g., to the side, under, and/or over the first region  302 ). 
     The first region  302  may include a photodiode  306  and/or one or more other structures (e.g., one or more optical scattering structures  308 , transistors, and so on). In some cases, the first region  302  may only include the photodiode  306  and one or more optical scattering structures  308 . The second region  304  may include one or more semiconductor structures, such as one or more semiconductor structures  310 , and/or one or more other structures. Each semiconductor structure  310  may be or include a memory node, a transistor, or another type of structure. In some embodiments, the second region  304  may include multiple (i.e., two or more) semiconductor structures  310 . 
     The photodiode  306  may have a first end  336  opposite a second end  338 . The first end  336  may include a light-receiving surface  314 , or a surface on which at least some light initially impinges after passing through a lens  312 . The first end  336  may also have one or more optical scattering structures  308  embedded therein or positioned thereon (or in some cases embedded close under the light-receiving surface  314 ). The photodiode  306  may also include a set of one or more lateral walls  340  that join the first end  336  and the second end  338 . In some cases, the set of one or more lateral walls  340  may include a single wall having a circular lateral cross-section, or a square or rectangular lateral cross-section with arcuate turns at the corners of the square or rectangular lateral cross-section. In other cases, the set of one or more lateral walls  340  may include multiple walls that meet at ninety degree corners. The set of one or more lateral walls  340  may also take other forms. The photodiode  306  may have a depth, D, parallel to the set of lateral walls  340 , and perpendicular to the lateral cross-section shown in  FIG.  3 B . 
     In some embodiments, a lens  312  (e.g., a microlens) may be positioned to direct light toward the first end  336  of the photodiode  338  (e.g., toward a light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 ) and/or one or more optical scattering structures  308  embedded in or under the first end  336  or light-receiving surface  314 . In a BSI embodiment of the pixel  300 , the lens  312  may be formed (e.g., etched) in the backside of a substrate on (or in) which the photodiode  306  is formed. In an FSI embodiment of the pixel  300 , the lens  312  may be formed in a dielectric that is attached to the pixel  300 . The lens  312  may in some cases focus (or direct) received light into an illumination area  316  (e.g., into a beam or spot of light) on the first end  336 , or on the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 , and/or on surfaces or edges of the optical scattering structure(s)  308 . Without the lens  312 , light may still be received by the first end  336  or light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306  and/or surfaces or edges of the optical scattering structure(s)  308 , but without being directed into the illumination area  316  (e.g., without being focused into a beam or spot of light). 
     Optionally, an oxide wall or an oxide/metal wall  318 , such as a deep trench isolation (DTI) wall or a shallow trench isolation (STI) wall, may be positioned at least partly between the first region  302  and the second region  304  (e.g., positioned around at least part of a lateral periphery of the photodiode  306  or first region  302 , and/or extending at least partially around the set of lateral walls  340  of the photodiode  306 ). For purposes of this description, oxide/metal walls are walls that include both oxide and metal portions, such as oxide walls with embedded metal walls, metal conductors, or other metal structures. In some cases, the oxide (or oxide/metal) wall  318  may be positioned between the photodiode  306  and the semiconductor structure  310 . In some cases, the oxide (or oxide/metal) wall  318  may extend partly and laterally around (e.g., 50%, 75%, or more of the way around) the first region  302  and/or the photodiode  306 . In other cases, the oxide (or oxide/metal) wall  318  may laterally surround the first region  302  and/or the photodiode  306 . 
     The set of one or more optical scattering structures  308  may be positioned at least partially within the photodiode  306  (e.g., the optical scattering structure(s)  308  may extend at least partially below a portion of the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 ). The optical scattering structure(s)  308  may laterally extend at least partially into the illumination arca  316  defined by the lens  312 . By way of example, only one optical scattering structure  308  is shown. In alternative embodiments, there may be more than one optical scattering structure  308 , positioned in the same or different planes (or between different starting and ending depths from the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 ). 
     In some embodiments, a set of one or more trenches  320  may be formed in the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 , and may extend into the photodiode  306 . The set of one or more optical scattering structures  308  may be disposed in the set of trenches  320 . As shown, a light-receiving surface  322  of an optical scattering structure  308  may be flush with the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 . Alternatively, the optical scattering structure  308  may be fully embedded within the photodiode  306  (e.g., under the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 ), or the optical scattering structure  308  may project above the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306 . 
     Each optical scattering structure  308  may have a light-receiving surface  322 , a set of sidewalls  324 , and a set of edges  326 . The sidewalls  324  may extend away from the light-receiving surface  322  of the optical scattering structure  308 , and away from the first end  336  (or light-receiving surface  314 ) of the photodiode  306 . For example, the sidewall(s)  324  of the optical scattering structure  308  may extend perpendicularly to the first end  336 , the light-receiving surface  314 , and the light-receiving surface  322 . Each edge  326  may 1) define a transition between a surface (e.g., the surface  322 ) and a sidewall  324  of the optical scattering structure  308 , or 2) define an inside or outside corner between two sidewalls  324  of the optical scattering structure  308 . Light that impinges on the edges  326  or sidewalls  324  of an optical scattering structure  308  may be redirected (or scatter) within the photodiode  306  differently than light that impinges on the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306  (the latter of which may cause light to refract but not scatter). When the lens  312  is present, and in some cases, one or more optical scattering structures  308  may be positioned such that they laterally extend at least partially into the illumination area  316  defined by the lens  312 . 
     The sidewalls  324  and edges  326  of the optical scattering structure(s)  308  may in some cases be positioned and/or oriented to direct (e.g., scatter) light in desired directions. For example, it may be desirable to direct light into the photodiode  306 , to increase light absorption by the photodiode  306 , but to direct light away from the semiconductor structure  310  and/or the second region  304 , to prevent optical crosstalk and interference. 
     By way of example, and as shown, an optical scattering structure  308  may have a pair of sidewalls  324  (e.g., a pair of adjoining sidewalls  324 ) that form an included angle  328 , with the included angle  328  extending perpendicular to the depth, D, of the photodiode  306 , and with the pair of sidewalls  324  abutting a portion of the photodiode  306 . For purposes of this description, an “included angle” is an angle formed between two structures (e.g., two surfaces, sidewalls, or edges) that intersect at an angle of one-hundred-eighty degrees (180°) or less. Although the included angle  328  is shown to be an obtuse angle formed by non-orthogonal sidewalls  324 , the included angle  328  could alternatively be an acute angle or a right angle. 
     The optical scattering structure may also have a second pair of sidewalls  324  that form a second included angle  330 . The included angle  330  may also extend perpendicular to the depth, D. of the photodiode  306 , and may abut a different portion of the photodiode  306 . 
     In the example shown, the optical scattering structure  308  has a lateral cross-section, parallel to the light-receiving surface  314  of the photodiode  306  and parallel to the light-receiving surface  322  of the optical scattering structure  308  (e.g., in a plane, or in all planes, that intersect the optical scattering structure  308  parallel to the light-receiving surface  322 ), defined by two intersecting triangles  332 ,  334 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the pixel  300 , the optical scattering structure  308  could take any of the forms described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 5 E , or the set of one or more optical scattering structures  308  could include multiple optical scattering structures, as described with reference to  FIGS.  6 A- 7 B . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  show a second example pixel  400  including a set of one or more optical scattering structures  410 .  FIG.  4 A  shows an elevation of the pixel  400  (from view IV-B-IV-B in  FIG.  4 B );  FIG.  4 B  shows a top-down plan view of the pixel  400  (from view IV-A-IV-A in  FIG.  4 A ); and  FIG.  4 C  shows an enlarged top down plan view of the optical scattering structure  410 . The pixel  400  may be used as, or in, an optical detector. In some embodiments, the pixel  400  may take the form of the single-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  1   , or one of the pixels in the multiple-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The pixel  400  may include a photodiode  402  formed on a substrate  404 . By way of example, the pixel  400  is configured as a BSI pixel, with the photodiode  402  receiving light through the substrate  404 . 
     The photodiode  402  may have a first end  446  opposite a second end  448 . The first end  446  may include a light-receiving surface  408 , or a surface on which at least some light initially impinges after passing through the lens  406 . The first end  446  may also have one or more optical scattering structures  410  embedded therein or positioned thereon (or in some cases embedded close under the light-receiving surface  408 ). The photodiode  402  may also include a set of one or more lateral walls  450  that join the first end  446  and the second end  448 . In some cases, the set of one or more lateral walls  450  may include a single wall having a circular lateral cross-section, or a square or rectangular lateral cross-section with arcuate turns at the corners of the square or rectangular lateral cross-section. In other cases, the set of one or more lateral walls  450  may include multiple walls that meet at ninety degree corners. The set of one or more lateral walls  450  may also take other forms. The photodiode  402  may have a depth, D, parallel to the set of lateral walls  450 . 
     The lens  406  (e.g., a microlens) may be positioned to direct light toward the first end  446  of the photodiode  402  (e.g., toward a light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 ) and/or one or more optical scattering structures  410  embedded in or under the first end  446  or light-receiving surface  408 . The lens  406  may be formed (e.g., etched) in the backside of the substrate  404 . The lens  406  may in some cases focus (or direct) received light into an illumination area  412  (e.g., into a beam or spot of light) on the first end  446 , or on the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 , and/or on surfaces or edges of the optical scattering structure(s)  410 . Without the lens  406 , light may still be received by the first end  446  or light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402  and/or surfaces or edges of the optical scattering structure(s)  410 , but the light may not be directed into the illumination area  412  on the first end  446  or light-receiving surface  408 . 
     One or more oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 , such as one or more deep trench isolation (DTI) walls, may be positioned laterally around part of the photodiode  402 . For example, a first oxide (or oxide/metal) wall  414 - 1  may form a first U-shaped wall (e.g., a squared-off U-shaped wall) around the photodiode  402 , and a second oxide (or oxide/metal) wall  414 - 2  may form a second and larger U-shaped wall (e.g., a squared-off U-shaped wall) around part of the photodiode  402 , with the bottom portions of the first and second U-shaped oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  disposed on opposite lateral sides of the photodiode  402 , and with the uprights of the U-shaped oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  overlapping on opposite lateral sides of the photodiode  402 . In some embodiments, the pixel  400  may include additional oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 . Each of the oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 ,  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  may be continuous or discontinuous. A discontinuous oxide (or oxide/metal) wall may include gaps through which conductive traces are routed. Each of the oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 ,  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  may also extend from the front to the back of the pixel  400 , or may have a depth that is shallower than the full depth of the pixel  400 . An oxide (or oxide/metal) wall  414  that is shallower than the full depth of the pixel  400  may provide areas through which conductive traces may be routed, areas in which transistors  418 ,  438 ,  440 ,  442 ,  444  or other semiconductor structures may be formed, and so on. 
     By way of example, a memory node  416  may be disposed between each pair of overlapping uprights of the first and second U-shaped oxide (or oxide/metal) walls  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2 . That is, different memory nodes  416  may be positioned to the left and to the right of the photodiode  402  shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . A pair of transistors  418  may be simultaneously or sequentially pulsed to transfer all or a portion of a charge integrated by the photodiode  402  to one or both of the memory nodes  416 . In some cases, a memory node  416  may be blocked from receiving light by a shield  452  placed between the lens  406  and the memory node  416 . Additionally or alternatively, the lens  406  may direct received light away from the memory node(s)  416 . In some cases, an anti-reflective (AR) coating  454  may be disposed between the lens/substrate  406 / 404  and photodiode/shields  402 / 452 . 
     A set of one or more optical scattering structures  410  may be positioned at least partially within the photodiode  402  (e.g., the optical scattering structure(s)  410  may extend at least partially below a portion of the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 ). The optical scattering structure(s)  410  may laterally extend at least partially into the illumination arca  412  defined by the lens  406 . By way of example, only one optical scattering structure  410  is shown. In alternative embodiments, there may be more than one optical scattering structure  410 , positioned in the same or different planes (or between different starting and ending depths from the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 ). 
     In some embodiments, a set of one or more trenches  420  may be formed in the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 , and may extend into the photodiode  402 . The set of one or more optical scattering structures  410  may be disposed in the set of trenches  420 . As shown, a light-receiving surface  422  of an optical scattering structure  410  may be flush with the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . Alternatively, the optical scattering structure  410  may be fully embedded within the photodiode  402  (e.g., under the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 ), or the optical scattering structure  410  may project above the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . 
     Each optical scattering structure  410  may have a light-receiving surface  422 , a set of sidewalls  424 , and a set of edges  426 . The sidewalls  424  may extend away from the light-receiving surface  422  of the optical scattering structure  410 , and away from the first end  446  (or light-receiving surface  408 ) of the photodiode  402 . For example, the sidewall(s)  424  of the optical scattering structure  410  may extend perpendicularly to the first end  446 , the light-receiving surface  408 , and the light-receiving surface  422 . Each edge  426  may  1 ) define a transition between a surface (e.g., the light-receiving surface  422 ) and a sidewall  424  of the optical scattering structure  410 , or  2 ) define an inside or outside corner between two sidewalls  424  of the optical scattering structure  410 . Light that impinges on the edges  426  or sidewalls  424  of an optical scattering structure  410  may be redirected (or scatter) within the photodiode  402  differently than light that impinges on the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402  (the latter of which may cause light to refract but not scatter). When the lens  406  is present, and in some cases, one or more optical scattering structures  410  may be positioned such that they extend at least partially into the illumination area  412  defined by the lens  406 . 
     The sidewalls  424  and edges  426  of the optical scattering structure(s)  410  may in some cases be positioned and/or oriented to direct (e.g., scatter) light in desired directions. For example, it may be desirable to direct light into the photodiode  402 , to increase light absorption by the photodiode  402 , but to direct light away from the memory nodes  416 , to prevent optical crosstalk and interference between the integration of light by the photodiode  402  and the storage of charge by the memory nodes  416 . 
     By way of example, and as shown, an optical scattering structure  410  may have one or more pairs of sidewalls  424  (e.g., pairs of adjoining sidewalls  424 ), with each pair of sidewalls  424  forming an included angle  428  extending perpendicular to the depth, D, of the photodiode  406 , and with the pair of sidewalls  424  abutting a portion of the photodiode  402 . Although the included angles  428  are shown to be obtuse angles formed by non-orthogonal pairs of sidewalls  424 , the included angles  428  could alternatively be acute angles or right angles. A set of three sidewalls  424 - 1 ,  424 - 2 ,  424 - 3  may be arranged such that a first intersection between a first sidewall  424 - 1  and a second sidewall  424 - 2  defines a first obtuse angle, and such that a second intersection between a third sidewall  424 - 3  and the second sidewall  424 - 2  defines a second obtuse angle. Respective normals  430 - 1 ,  430 - 2 ,  430 - 3  to the first sidewall  424 - 1 , the second sidewall  424 - 2 , and the third sidewall  424 - 3  intersect. A second set of three sidewalls  424  may be disposed in a mirrored relationship with respect to the first set of three sidewalls  424 - 1 ,  424 - 2 ,  424 - 3 . 
     In the example shown, the optical scattering structure  410  has a lateral cross-section, parallel to the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402  and parallel to the light-receiving surface  422  of the optical scattering structure  410  (e.g., in a plane, or in all planes, that intersect the optical scattering structure  410  parallel to the light-receiving surface  422 ), defined by two triangles  432 ,  434  joined by a bridge  436 . 
     In alternative embodiments of the pixel  400 , the optical scattering structure  410  could take any of the forms described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 5 E , or the set of one or more optical scattering structures  408  could include multiple optical scattering structures, as described with reference to  FIGS.  6 A- 7 B . 
       FIG.  4 C  shows how light incident on the edges  426  or sidewalls  424  of the optical scattering structure  410  may scatter. As shown, the light reflecting off of the edges  426 - 1  and  426 - 2  and sidewalls  424 - 1  and  424 - 3  may scatter primarily toward the interior of the photodiode  402 , in directions that are less likely to result in light scattering between the first and second U-shaped oxide walls  414 - 1 ,  414 - 2  and changing the state of one or both of the memory nodes  416 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  show additional example optical scattering structures that may be used in one or more of the optical detector pixels described with reference to  FIG.  1 ,  2 ,  3 A- 3 B , or  4 A- 4 C, or in other optical detector pixels. 
     The optical scattering structures shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B and  4 A- 4 C  are symmetric about first, second, and third orthogonal axes (e.g., x and y axes parallel to the light-receiving surface of the photodiode, and a z axis perpendicular to the light-receiving surface of the photodiode). In contrast,  FIG.  5 A  shows an optical scattering structure  500  that is symmetric about first and second orthogonal axes (x and z axes), and asymmetric about a third axis (y axis) orthogonal to each of the first and second orthogonal axes. The z axis may be the axis perpendicular a light-receiving surface of a photodiode. 
     By way of example, the optical scattering structure  500  has first, second, and third sidewalls  502 - 1 ,  502 - 2 ,  502 - 3  positioned similarly to the first set of three sidewalls described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C , and a singular, flat sidewall  502 - 4  facing in a direction opposite the second sidewall  502 - 2 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows an optical scattering structure  510  similar to the optical scattering structure described with reference to  FIG.  5 A , but with a singular curved sidewall  512  (bounded by curved edges) replacing the set of three sidewalls  502 - 1 ,  502 - 2 , and  502 - 3 . The curved sidewall  512  (and its upper and lower edges) are shown to have a concave shape, but could alternatively have a convex or other curved shape. An optical scattering structure may also have a sidewall having a different curved shape, more than one sidewall having a curved shape, or a perimeter having a continuously curved shape. 
       FIG.  5 C  shows an optical scattering structure  520  similar to the optical scattering structure described with reference to  FIG.  5 A , but with a multiple-step wall  522  replacing the first, second, and third sidewalls  502 - 1 ,  502 - 2 ,  502 - 3 . By way of example, the multiple-step wall  522  includes multiple “inward steps”  524  extending toward a planar center of gravity of the optical scattering structure  520 , and an equal number of “outward steps”  526  extending away from the planar center of gravity of the optical scattering structure  520 . In alternative embodiments, the inward and outward steps  524 ,  526  may be of different size and different number, or the inward or outward steps  524 ,  526  may not have orthogonal sidewalls, or the optical scattering structure  520  may only have one set of steps (e.g., the inward or outward steps  524 ,  526  shown in  FIG.  5 C , but not both), or the optical scattering structure  520  may have steps formed on additional or different sidewalls, or the optical scattering structure  520  may have steps that give the optical scattering structure an overall different shape. 
       FIG.  5 D  shows a set of optical scattering structures  530  that is similar to the optical scattering structure described with reference to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , but with the lateral cross-section of the optical scattering structure  530 , parallel to a light-receiving surface of a photodiode, defined by two laterally spaced apart optical scattering structures  532 ,  534 . By way of example, the two laterally spaced apart optical scattering structures  532 ,  534  are each shown to have a triangular lateral cross-section. In other embodiments, one or both of the optical scattering structures  532 ,  534  may have a differently shaped lateral cross-section, or the set of optical scattering structures  530  may include more than two optical scattering structures. 
     Each of  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B,  4 A- 4 C,  5 A, and  5 D  show a set of one or more optical scattering structures that defines a set of edges (and sidewalls), with each set of edges (and sidewalls) including at least a first edge (and associated first sidewall) that is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a second edge (and associated second sidewall). Some of the sets of one or more optical scattering structures have two or more pairs of edges (and associated sidewalls) that are oriented at oblique angles with respect to each other.  FIGS.  5 D and  5 E  cach show a set of optical scattering structures having two or more optical scattering structures, in which a first optical scattering structure includes a first edge; a second optical scattering structure, laterally spaced apart from the first optical scattering structure, includes a second edge; and the first edge of the first optical scattering structure is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the second edge of the second optical scattering structure. In particular,  FIG.  5 E  shows a set of optical scattering structures  540  including three laterally spaced apart optical scattering structures  542 - 1 ,  542 - 2 ,  542 - 3 . By way of example, each of the optical scattering structures  542 - 1 ,  542 - 2 ,  542 - 3  is shown to have a rectangular cross-section parallel to a light-receiving surface of a photodiode. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the optical scattering structures may have a differently shaped cross-section and/or there may be more than three optical scattering structures. 
     As an example, the optical scattering structures  542 - 1 ,  542 - 2 ,  542 - 3  are laid out to mimic the set of three sidewalls described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C and  5 A , but the optical scattering structures  542 - 1 ,  542 - 2 ,  542 - 3  are laterally spaced apart such that portions of a photodiode may fill the spaces between them. In some cases, it may be easier to form three separate rectangular trenches to hold three separate optical scattering structures  542 - 1 ,  542 - 2 ,  542 - 3  than to form a single trench having non-orthogonal sidewalls. 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show a third example pixel  600 . The pixel  600  includes optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 2  positioned at different depths within the pixel  600 .  FIG.  6 A  shows an elevation of the pixel  600 , and  FIG.  6 B  shows a top-down plan view of the pixel  600 . The pixel  600  may be used as, or in, an optical detector. In some embodiments, the pixel  600  may take the form of the single-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  1   , or one of the pixels in the multiple-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  2   . By way of example, the pixel  600  is shown and described as a variation of the pixel described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C , and the same reference numerals are used below when appropriate. Like structures that are already shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  may not be referenced or described further below. 
     The pixel  600  includes a first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  and a second optical scattering structure  410 - 2 . The first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  may be the optical scattering structure described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C , and may have a light-receiving surface  422  positioned flush with a light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . Alternatively, the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  may be positioned entirely below the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . The first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  may extend to a first depth (e.g., depth “A”) within the photodiode  402 . 
     By way of example, the second optical scattering structure  410 - 2  is shown to be shaped and constructed similarly to the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1 . In alternative embodiments, the first and second optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 2  may have different shapes and/or constructions. The second optical scattering structure  410 - 2  may have a light-receiving surface  602  positioned below the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . Alternatively, the light-receiving surface  602  of the second optical scattering structure  410 - 2  may be positioned flush with the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . The second optical scattering structure  410 - 2  may extend to a second depth (e.g., depth “B”) within the photodiode  402 . The depth B may be farther away from the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402  than the depth A. 
     In some embodiments of the pixel  600 , the second optical scattering structure  410 - 2  may be laterally offset from the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  (sec, e.g.,  FIG.  6 B ). In alternative embodiments, the second optical scattering structure  410 - 2  may be vertically aligned with, or overlap a portion of, the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1 . 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  show a fourth example pixel  700 . The pixel  700  includes optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 3  positioned at different depths within the pixel  700 .  FIG.  7 A  shows an elevation of the pixel  700 , and  FIG.  7 B  shows a top-down plan view of the pixel  700 . The pixel  700  may be used as, or in, an optical detector. In some embodiments, the pixel  700  may take the form of the single-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  1   , or one of the pixels in the multiple-pixel optical detector described with reference to  FIG.  2   . By way of example, the pixel  700  is shown and described as a variation of the pixel described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C , and the same reference numerals are used below when appropriate. Like structures that are already shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  may not be referenced or described further below. 
     The pixel  700  includes a first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  and a second optical scattering structure  410 - 3 . The first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  may be the optical scattering structure described with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C , and may have a light-receiving surface  422  positioned flush with a light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . Alternatively, the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1  may be positioned entirely below the light-receiving surface  408  of the photodiode  402 . 
     By way of example, the second optical scattering structure  410 - 3  is shown to be shaped differently from the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1 . In alternative embodiments, the first and second optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 3  may have the same or different shapes and/or constructions. The second optical scattering structure  410 - 3  may have a light-receiving surface  702  positioned flush with the light-receiving surface  422  of the first optical scattering structure  410 - 1 . 
     The first and second optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 3  may extend to the same depth within the photodiode  402 . Because the light-receiving surfaces  422 ,  702  of the first and second optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 3  are flush, and because the light-receiving surfaces  422 ,  702  of the first and second optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 3  extend to the same depth, the first and second optical scattering structures  410 - 1 ,  410 - 3  may be referred to as co-planar. 
     In some alternative embodiments, the pixel described with reference to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B or  7 A -B may include additional optical scattering structures, which additional optical scattering structures are co-planar, non-co-planar, overlapping, or non-overlapping with other optical scattering structures. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art, after reading this description, that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, after reading this description, that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology may be the gathering and use of data, including optical data. The present disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data (e.g., biological information) that uniquely identifies or can be used to identify, locate, contact, or diagnose a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to activate or deactivate various functions of the user&#39;s device, or gather performance metrics for the user&#39;s device or the user. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the United States (US), collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users may selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210825
Publication Date: 20240917
Grant Date: 20240917
Priority Date: 20210825
Inventors: HONG, SUNGKWON
HANELT, ERIN F.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H10F39/8063", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/805", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/802", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F77/334", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F30/22", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F77/413", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F77/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/8063", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/802", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/805", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F77/40", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10F39/8067", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L27/14643", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L27/14627", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L27/1462", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L27/14603", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L31/02164", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L31/0232", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 92716214