Northlight Images has uncovered another multi layer sensor patent from the USPTO. This one seems to show a layer of the sensor that actually emits light.
Northlight translation of the image above:
Light comes in through a conventional colour filter and reaches the first conversion layer, where some of it is converted to electrons. Some light goes clean through and reaches a PL (photo-luminescent) layer where some is absorbed and re-emitted (at a different colour). This re-emitted light is detected by a second conversion layer.
OK, so I’ve got two output signals for each pixel – what advantage does this give? By careful choice of the compounds used (organic and inorganic) for photon detection and photon emission layers it is possible to significantly increase the dynamic range of the pixel as a whole.
For the full breakdown of this one, please visit Northlight Images.