Improving color sensitivity in low light using nano-prisms, light pillars, and color splitters

A recent article in IEEE Spectrum discusses three approaches to improve color throughput in low-light settings: nano-prisms, light pillars, and color splitters.

Link: https://spectrum.ieee.org/smartphone-camera-sensors-next-gen/nano-light-pillars-bring-low-light-images-into-focus

 

Using color splitters, an image sensor can increase its overall sensitivity by having light appropriate to each sensor channeled directly to it. (imec)

“Nano-pillars” are a light channeling form of a metasurface that, a little like Imec's color splitter, also direct specific wavelengths of light to the detector pixels best suited to receive the light. (VisEra Technologies)

Samsung's new nano-prism image has a sensitivity to light sources at more oblique angles compared to some conventional pixel tech today. (Samsung)