"The laminated image sensor is made by combining (1) an image sensor equipped with an RGB color filter for visible light (top layer) and (2) a near-infrared image sensor (bottom layer). Each layer functions as an independent sensor and independently outputs video signals.
The visible-light image sensor is a backside-illuminated type, and its light-receiving layer (made of semiconductor) is as thin as 3μm. Each pixel measures 3.8 x 3.8μm, and the number of pixels is 4,224 x 240."
hmmm, reminds me of US 6,107,618, but with more modernized connections. '618 is probably near expiration anyway.
ReplyDeleteImage focusing should be a challenge!
ReplyDeleteLenses have mostly longer focal length for infrared. But the sensor may not be thick enough to compensate. In any case the lens can also be (nearly) compensated.
ReplyDeleteOver at Imaging Resource Website there is a Rumor of Canon working on a 5-Layer Foeveon like Sensor that captures UV, RGB and IR simultaneously.
ReplyDeletePerhaps even Foeveon could simply make their Sensor a little thicker and add an IR circuitry layer.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/06/30/canon-patents-a-foveon-like-five-layer-sensor-with-uv-and-ir-sensitivity
The prelude to when ALL our Cameras will be Multispectral and Computational; they will not only identify what is in the Photo but provide useful Info too (like the plants at your feet are poisonous, or the Photobomber is on the FBI's Top Ten and needs a bath).
Better Sensors and Cloud Computing will power the Cameras to come; they will become all knowledgeable Tour Guides (pay monthly for Cloud Services, to empower your Phone).