A Smart Dual Pixel Technology for Accurate and All-Directional Auto Focus in CMOS Image Sensors

— We developed a dual pixel with accurate and all-directional auto-focus (AF) performance in CMOS image sensor (CIS). The optimized in-pixel deep trench isolation (DTI) provided accurate AF data and good image quality in the entire image area and over whole visible wavelength range. Furthermore, the horizontal-vertical (HV) dual pixel with the slanted in-pixel DTI enabled the acquisition of all-directional AF information by the conventional dual pixel readout method. These technologies were demonstrated in 1.4μm dual pixel and will be applied to the further shrunken pixels.