U.S. patent application number 12/951674 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-24 for optical sensor including stacked photodiodes.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Jeffrey P. Gambino, Daniel N. Maynard, Kevin N. Ogg, Richard J. Rassel, Raymond J. Rosner.
Application Number | 20110072409 12/951674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41378678 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110072409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gambino; Jeffrey P. ; et
al. |
March 24, 2011 |
OPTICAL SENSOR INCLUDING STACKED PHOTODIODES
Abstract
A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor
comprises a first photosensitive diode comprising a first
semiconductor material is formed in a first semiconductor
substrate. A second photosensitive diode comprising a second
semiconductor material, which has a different light detection
wavelength range than the first semiconductor material, is formed
in a second semiconductor substrate. Semiconductor devices for
holding and detecting charges comprising a sensing circuit of the
CMOS image sensor may also be formed in the second semiconductor
substrate. The first semiconductor substrate and the second
semiconductor substrate are bonded so that the first photosensitive
diode is located underneath the second photosensitive diode. The
vertical stack of the first and second photosensitive diodes
detects light in the combined detection wavelength range of the
first and second semiconductor materials. Sensing devices may be
shared between the first and second photosensitive diodes.
Inventors: |
Gambino; Jeffrey P.;
(Westford, VT) ; Maynard; Daniel N.; (Craftsbury
Common, VT) ; Ogg; Kevin N.; (Burlington, VT)
; Rassel; Richard J.; (Essex Junction, VT) ;
Rosner; Raymond J.; (Colchester, VT) |
Assignee: |
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES
CORPORATION
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
41378678 |
Appl. No.: |
12/951674 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12129716 |
May 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
12951674 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
716/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 27/14647 20130101;
H01L 27/14641 20130101; H01L 27/14632 20130101; H01L 27/14687
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
716/136 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/50 20060101
G06F017/50 |
Claims
1. A machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or
testing a design, said machine readable medium embodying a design
structure, said design structure comprising a first data
representing a first photosensitive diode located in a first
semiconductor layer and a second data representing a second
photosensitive diode located in a second semiconductor layer and
overlying said first photosensitive diode, wherein said first data
comprises a third data representing a first semiconductor portion
which comprises a first semiconductor material and has a doping of
a first conductivity type and a fourth data representing a first
charge collection well which comprises said first semiconductor
material and has a doping of a second conductivity type and abuts a
top surface of said first semiconductor portion, and wherein said
second conductivity type is the opposite of said first conductivity
type; and wherein said second data comprises a fifth data
representing a second semiconductor portion which comprises a
second semiconductor material and has a doping of said first
conductivity type and a sixth data representing a second charge
collection well which comprises said second semiconductor material
and has a doping of said second conductivity type and abuts a top
surface of said second semiconductor portion, and wherein said
second semiconductor material is different from said first
semiconductor material.
2. The machine readable medium of claim 1, wherein said first
semiconductor material has a first band gap width and said second
semiconductor material has a second band gap width, and wherein
said second band gap width is different from said first band gap
width.
3. The machine readable medium of claim 2, wherein one of said
first and second semiconductor materials is silicon and another of
said first and second semiconductor materials is germanium.
4. The machine readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:
another data representing a first semiconductor layer having a
doping of said first conductivity type and comprises said first
semiconductor material, wherein said first charge collection well
and said first semiconductor portion are embedded in said first
semiconductor layer; and yet another data representing a second
semiconductor layer having a doping of said first conductivity type
and comprises said second semiconductor material, wherein said
second charge collection well and said second semiconductor portion
are embedded in said second semiconductor layer.
5. The machine readable medium of claim 1, further comprising: a
seventh data representing a first metal interconnect structure
located between said first semiconductor layer and said second
semiconductor layer; and an eighth data representing a second metal
interconnect structure located above said second semiconductor
layer.
6. The machine readable medium of claim 5, further comprising
another data representing at least one conductive structure
abutting said first metal interconnect structure and said second
metal interconnect structure.
7. The machine readable medium of claim 5, further comprising
another data representing an optical lens located over said second
photosensitive diode and said first photosensitive diode.
8. The machine readable medium of claim 7, further comprising
another data representing a color filter located over said second
photosensitive diode and said first photosensitive diode.
9. The machine readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:
another data representing a first transfer transistor of integral
construction with said first photosensitive diode and including a
first floating drain and located in said first semiconductor layer;
and yet another data representing a second transfer transistor of
integral construction with said second photosensitive diode and
including a second floating drain and located in said second
semiconductor layer.
10. The machine readable medium of claim 1, further comprising:
another data representing a transfer transistor of integral
construction of integral construction with one of said first
photosensitive diode and said second photosensitive diode; yet
another data representing a binning transistor in a semiconductor
layer containing said transfer transistor; and still another data
representing a conductive via extending from at least a bottom
surface of said second semiconductor layer to at least a top
surface of said first semiconductor layer, wherein said conductive
via is a portion of an electrically conductive path between said
binning transistor and the other of said first photosensitive diode
and said second photosensitive diode.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/129,716, filed May 30, 2008, which is related to
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/129,714, filed May 30,
2008, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2009/0294812
published on Dec. 3, 2009, the entire content and disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to semiconductor structures,
and more particularly to semiconductor structures for an optical
sensor which includes stacked photodiodes, and design structures
for the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A pixel sensor comprises an array of pixel sensor cells that
detects two dimensional signals. Pixel sensors include image
sensors, which may convert a visual image to digital data that may
be represented by a picture, i.e., an image frame. The pixel sensor
cells are unit devices for the conversion of the two dimensional
signals, which may be a visual image, into the digital data. A
common type of pixel sensors includes image sensors employed in
digital cameras and optical imaging devices. Such image sensors
include charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors.
[0004] While complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image
sensors have been more recently developed compared to the CCDs,
CMOS image sensors provide an advantage of lower power consumption,
smaller size, and faster data processing than CCDs as well as
direct digital output that is not available in CCDs. Also, CMOS
image sensors have lower manufacturing cost compared with the CCDs
since many standard semiconductor manufacturing processes may be
employed to manufacture CMOS image sensors. For these reasons,
commercial employment of CMOS image sensors has been steadily
increasing in recent years.
[0005] Prior art CMOS image sensors comprise a photosensitive diode
including a p-n junction between two differently doped
semiconductor regions. When a photon impinges on the photosensitive
diode, the photosensitive diode may generate an electron-hole pair
if the photon interacts with the band structure of the
semiconductor material comprising the photosensitive diode. The
energy of the photon that induces electron-hole pair generation
depends on the band gap of the semiconductor material. The wider
the band gap, the greater the energy of a photon that is required
to generate an electron-hole pair. For example, the wavelength
range of photons for photogeneration of an electron-hole pair is
from about 190 nm to about 1,100 nm for silicon, from about 400 nm
to about 1,700 nm for germanium, and from about 800 nm to about
2,600 nm for indium gallium arsenide, respectively. Practically,
due to the loss of efficiency of photogeneration near the edge of
the wavelength ranges, usable wavelength ranges for detection of
light may be substantially narrower than the wavelength ranges
described above for each semiconductor material.
[0006] The choice of the semiconductor material for the
photosensitive diode determines the wavelength window for light
detection for the prior art CMOS image sensors. For example, a
prior art CMOS image sensor employing silicon in a photosensitive
diode is capable of detecting light in the visible spectrum range.
Likewise, a prior art CMOS image sensor employing germanium in a
photodiode is capable of detecting infrared light. Thus, the
detection range of the prior art CMOS image sensor is limited to
the wavelength range of the material employed in the photosensitive
diode.
[0007] Some applications require, however, extended detection range
that is beyond the range of wavelengths encompassed by a single
semiconductor material. For example, optical sensors that require
detection of visible wavelength spectrum range and infrared
wavelength range cannot be provided either by a silicon based
photosensitive diode or by a germanium based photosensitive
diode.
[0008] In view of the above, there exists a need for a
semiconductor structure including an optical sensor capable of
detecting light over a wavelength range that extends beyond the
detection range of a single semiconductor material, and design
structures for the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor structure that
includes a vertical stack of two photodiodes comprising different
semiconductor materials and consequently having different light
detection wavelengths, and design structures for the same.
[0010] In the present invention, a complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor comprises a first
photosensitive diode comprising a first semiconductor material is
formed in a first semiconductor substrate. A second photosensitive
diode comprising a second semiconductor material, which has a
different light detection wavelength range than the first
semiconductor material, is formed in a second semiconductor
substrate. Semiconductor devices for holding and detecting charges
comprising a sensing circuit of the CMOS image sensor may also be
formed in the second semiconductor substrate. The first
semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate are
bonded so that the first photosensitive diode is located underneath
the second photosensitive diode. The vertical stack of the first
and second photosensitive diodes detects light in the combined
detection wavelength range of the first and second semiconductor
materials. Sensing devices may be shared between the first and
second photosensitive diodes.
[0011] Further a design structure for a complementary
metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor is provided, which
comprises a first data representing a first photosensitive diode
having a first light detection window and a second photosensitive
diode having a second light detection window, which is different
from the first light detection window. The first photosensitive
diode comprises a first semiconductor material and is located in a
first semiconductor substrate. The second photosensitive diode
comprises a second semiconductor material, which has a different
light detection band than the first semiconductor material, and is
located in a second semiconductor substrate. The design structure
may include additional data representing semiconductor devices for
holding and detecting charges comprising a sensing circuit of the
CMOS image sensor. The design structure represents a CMOS image
sensor in which the first semiconductor substrate and the second
semiconductor substrate are bonded so that the first photodiode is
located underneath the second photodiode in the CMOS image
sensor.
[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention, a
semiconductor structure is provided, which comprises:
[0013] a first photosensitive diode located in a first
semiconductor layer and comprising a first charge collection well
and a first semiconductor portion, wherein the first semiconductor
portion abuts a bottom surface of the first charge collection well,
includes a first semiconductor material, and has a doping of a
first conductivity type, wherein the first charge collection well
comprises the first semiconductor material and has a doping of a
second conductivity type, wherein the second conductivity type is
the opposite of the first conductivity type; and
[0014] a second photosensitive diode located in a second
semiconductor layer which is bonded to the first semiconductor
layer and comprising a second charge collection well and a second
semiconductor portion, wherein the second semiconductor portion
abuts a bottom surface of the second charge collection well,
includes a second semiconductor material, and has a doping of the
first conductivity type, wherein the second charge collection well
comprises the second semiconductor material and has a doping of the
second conductivity type, wherein the second semiconductor material
is different from the first semiconductor material, and wherein the
second photosensitive diode overlies the first photosensitive
diode.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first semiconductor material has a
first band gap width and the second semiconductor material has a
second band gap width, and wherein the second band gap width is
different from the first band gap width.
[0016] In another embodiment, the semiconductor structure further
comprises:
[0017] a first metal interconnect structure located between the
first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer;
and
[0018] a second metal interconnect structure located above the
second semiconductor layer.
[0019] In yet another embodiment, the semiconductor structure
further comprises:
[0020] a first transfer transistor of integral construction with
the first photosensitive diode and including a first floating drain
and located in the first semiconductor layer; and
[0021] a second transfer transistor of integral construction with
the second photosensitive diode and including a second floating
drain and located in the second semiconductor layer.
[0022] In still another embodiment, the semiconductor structure
further comprises:
[0023] a transfer transistor of integral construction of integral
construction with one of the first photosensitive diode and the
second photosensitive diode; and
[0024] a binning transistor connected to the other of the first
photosensitive diode and the second photosensitive diode through a
conductive via extending from at least a bottom surface of the
second semiconductor layer to at least a top surface of the first
semiconductor layer.
[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for
designing, manufacturing, or testing a design is provided. The
design structure comprises a first data representing a first
photosensitive diode located in a first semiconductor layer and a
second data representing a second photosensitive diode located in a
second semiconductor layer and overlying the first photosensitive
diode,
[0026] wherein the first data comprises a third data representing a
first semiconductor portion which includes a first semiconductor
material and has a doping of a first conductivity type and a fourth
data representing a first charge collection well which comprises
the first semiconductor material and has a doping of a second
conductivity type and abuts a top surface of the first
semiconductor portion, and wherein the second conductivity type is
the opposite of the first conductivity type; and
[0027] wherein the second data comprises a fifth data representing
a second semiconductor portion which includes a second
semiconductor material and has a doping of the first conductivity
type and a sixth data representing a second charge collection well
which comprises the second semiconductor material and has a doping
of the second conductivity type and abuts a top surface of the
second semiconductor portion, and wherein the second semiconductor
material is different from the first semiconductor material.
[0028] In one embodiment, the first semiconductor material has a
first band gap width and the second semiconductor material has a
second band gap width, and wherein the second band gap width is
different from the first band gap width.
[0029] In another embodiment, the design structure further
comprises:
[0030] another data representing a first semiconductor layer having
a doping of the first conductivity type and comprises the first
semiconductor material, wherein the first charge collection well
and the first semiconductor portion are embedded in the first
semiconductor layer; and
[0031] yet another data representing a second semiconductor layer
having a doping of the first conductivity type and comprises the
second semiconductor material, wherein the second charge collection
well and the second semiconductor portion are embedded in the
second semiconductor layer.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, the design structure further
comprises:
[0033] a seventh data representing a first metal interconnect
structure located between the first semiconductor layer and the
second semiconductor layer; and
[0034] an eighth data representing a second metal interconnect
structure located above the second semiconductor layer.
[0035] In still another embodiment, the design structure further
comprises:
[0036] another data representing a first transfer transistor of
integral construction with the first photosensitive diode and
including a first floating drain and located in the first
semiconductor layer; and
[0037] yet another data representing a second transfer transistor
of integral construction with the second photosensitive diode and
including a second floating drain and located in the second
semiconductor layer.
[0038] In a further embodiment, the design structure further
comprises:
[0039] another data representing a transfer transistor of integral
construction of integral construction with one of the first
photosensitive diode and the second photosensitive diode;
[0040] yet another data representing a binning transistor in a
semiconductor layer containing the transfer transistor; and
[0041] still another data representing a conductive via extending
from at least a bottom surface of the second semiconductor layer to
at least a top surface of the first semiconductor layer, wherein
the conductive via is a portion of an electrically conductive path
between the binning transistor and the other of the first
photosensitive diode and the second photosensitive diode.
[0042] In an even further embodiment, the design structure
comprises a netlist.
[0043] In a yet further embodiment, the design structure resides on
storage medium as a data format used for exchange of layout data of
integrated circuits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIG. 1 shows vertical cross-sectional view of a first
component structure 100 of an exemplary semiconductor structure
according to the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 2-4 show sequential vertical cross-sectional views of
a second component structure of the exemplary semiconductor
structure according to the present invention. FIG. 2 corresponds to
a step after formation of a first dielectric layer 160. FIG. 3
corresponds to a step after bonding of a handle substrate 210. FIG.
4 corresponds to a step after removal of a bottom substrate layer
102.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the
exemplary semiconductor structure at a bonding step between the
first component structure 100 and the second component structure
200.
[0047] FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the
exemplary semiconductor structure at a cleaving step.
[0048] FIG. 7 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the
exemplary semiconductor structure after formation of second metal
interconnect structure.
[0049] FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the
exemplary semiconductor structure after formation of color filters
and optical lenses.
[0050] FIGS. 9-11 show first, second, and third exemplary
semiconductor circuits, respectively, according to the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a design process used in
semiconductor design and manufacture of the semiconductor
structures according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] As stated above, the present invention relates to
semiconductor structures for an optical sensor which includes
stacked photodiodes and design structures for the same. As used
herein, when introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiments thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals or
letters are used to designate like or equivalent elements. Detailed
descriptions of known functions and constructions unnecessarily
obscuring the subject matter of the present invention have been
omitted for clarity. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to
scale.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a first component structure 100 of an
exemplary semiconductor structure according to the present
invention comprises a first semiconductor substrate 8 and a first
metal interconnect structure 90. The first semiconductor substrate
8 includes a first semiconductor layer 12, which comprises a first
semiconductor material. First shallow trench isolation structures
20 comprising a dielectric material are formed in the first
semiconductor substrate 12 by methods known in the art. The first
semiconductor layer 12 has a doping of a first conductivity type,
which may be p-type or n-type. Optionally, the first semiconductor
substrate 8 may further include an underlying semiconductor layer
(not shown), which has a doping of the first conductivity type and
is located underneath the first semiconductor layer 12. The
underlying semiconductor layer may comprise the same semiconductor
material as, or a different semiconductor material from, the first
semiconductor material. Typically, the dopant concentration of the
underlying semiconductor layer 10, if present, is greater than the
dopant concentration of the first semiconductor layer 12.
[0054] In the present invention, a lightly-doped semiconductor
material denotes a semiconductor material having a dopant
concentration less than or equal to 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3. A
heavily-doped semiconductor material denotes a semiconductor
material having a dopant concentration greater than
1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3. A lightly-doped semiconductor layer
denotes a layer of a lightly-doped semiconductor material. A
heavily-doped semiconductor layer denotes a layer of a
heavily-doped semiconductor material. The underlying semiconductor
layer, if present, may comprise a heavily doped semiconductor
material having the first conductivity type doping. Typically, the
dopant concentration of the underlying semiconductor layer is from
about 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.21/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.19/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.20/cm.sup.3.
[0055] Typically, the first semiconductor layer 12 comprises a
lightly-doped semiconductor material having the first conductivity
type doping. For example, the first semiconductor layer 12 may have
a dopant concentration from about 1.0.times.10.sup.14/cm.sup.3 to
about 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.15/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.17/cm.sup.3.
The depth of the interface between the first semiconductor layer 12
and the underlying semiconductor layer, if the underlying
semiconductor layer is present, is greater than mean free path of
charge carriers in the first semiconductor layer 12, and may be
from about 1 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m, and typically from 2 .mu.m to
about 5 .mu.m, although lesser and greater depths are also
contemplated herein. The depth of the interface is greater than the
depth of the bottom surface of the shallow trench isolation
structures.
[0056] Non-limiting examples of the first semiconductor material
include silicon, a silicon germanium alloy portion, silicon,
germanium, a silicon-germanium alloy portion, a silicon carbon
alloy portion, a silicon-germanium-carbon alloy portion, gallium
arsenide, indium arsenide, indium gallium arsenide, indium
phosphide, lead sulfide, other III-V compound semiconductor
materials, and II-VI compound semiconductor materials. For example,
germanium may be employed for the first semiconductor material.
Preferably, the first semiconductor layer 12 is single crystalline,
i.e., the first semiconductor material is epitaxially aligned
atomically within the entirety of the first semiconductor layer
12.
[0057] Dopants of the second conductivity type are implanted into
the first semiconductor layer 12 by masked ion implantation. A
first charge collection well 34 having of doping of the second
conductivity type is in the first semiconductor layer 12. The
second conductivity type is the opposite type of the first
conductivity type. For example, if the first conductivity type is
p-type, the second conductivity type is n-type, and vice versa. The
dopant concentration of the first charge collection well 34 may be
from about 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.21/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.19/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.20/cm.sup.3,
although lesser and greater dopant concentrations are also
contemplated herein.
[0058] The depth of the first charge collection well 34, as
measured from a top surface of the first semiconductor substrate 8
to a top surface of the first charge collection well 34, may be
from about 50 nm to about 1,000 nm, and typically from about 100 nm
to about 500 nm, although lesser and greater depths are
contemplated herein also. Placement of the first charge collection
well 34 underneath the top surface of the semiconductor substrate 8
reduces leakage current from the first charge collection well 34.
Placement of the first charge collection well 34 away from the top
surface of the first semiconductor substrate 8 is preferable, but
not necessary to practice the present invention. Embodiment in
which the first charge collection well 34 is formed directly
underneath the top surface of the first semiconductor substrate 8
are also contemplated herein. The thickness of the first charge
collection well 34 may be from about 100 nm to about 2,000 nm, and
typically from about 200 nm to about 1,000 nm, although lesser and
greater thicknesses are contemplated herein also.
[0059] A p-n junction is formed between the first charge collection
well 34, which has a doping of the second conductivity type, and
the portion of the first semiconductor layer 12 abutting the first
charge collection well 34 since the first semiconductor layer 12
has a doping of the first conductivity type, which is the opposite
of the second conductivity type. The portion of the first
semiconductor layer 12 directly underneath the bottom surface of
the first charge collection well 34 is herein referred to as a
first semiconductor portion 32. Typically, the thickness of the
first semiconductor portion 32 is the effective range for diffusion
of charge carriers from the bottom of the first charge collection
well 34. Typically, the thickness of the first semiconductor
portion 32 may be from about 500 nm to about 5,000 nm, although
lesser and greater thicknesses are contemplated herein also.
[0060] Depletion regions are formed in each of the first charge
collection well 34 and the first semiconductor portion 32 around
the p-n junction. The entirety of the first semiconductor portion
32 comprises the first semiconductor material and has a doping of
the first conductivity type. The dopant concentration of the first
semiconductor portion 32 is typically the same as the dopant
concentration of the first semiconductor layer 12, e.g.,
1.0.times.10.sup.14/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3,
and typically from about 1.0.times.10.sup.15/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.17/cm.sup.3, although lesser and greater
concentrations are also contemplated herein.
[0061] A reachthrough region 36 is formed directly on the first
charge collection well 34 if the top surface of the first charge
collection well 34 is beneath the top surface of the first
semiconductor layer 12. The reachthrough region has a doping of the
second conductivity type, and may be formed by a masked ion
implantation. The dopant concentration of the reachthrough region
36 may be from about 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.21/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.19/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.20/cm.sup.3,
although lesser and greater dopant concentrations are also
contemplated herein.
[0062] The first semiconductor portion 32 and the first charge
collection well 34 collectively constitute a first photosensitive
diode (32, 34) that generates electron-hole pairs upon
illumination. Charge carriers of the second conductivity type are
collected in the first charge collection well 34 in proportion to
the amount of photons impinging into the first photosensitive diode
(32, 34). In case the first conductivity type is p-type and the
second conductivity type is n-type, electrons are collected in the
first charge collection well 34. In case the second conductivity
type is n-type and the second conductivity type is p-type, holes
are collected in the first charge collection well 34. A photon
impinging on the first photosensitive diode (32, 34) generates an
electron-hole pair if the photon interacts with the semiconductor
material in the first photosensitive diode (32, 34).
[0063] The energy of the photon that induces electron-hole pair
generation depends on the band gap of the first semiconductor
material. The wider the band gap, the greater the energy of a
photon that is required to generate an electron-hole pair. For
example, the wavelength range of photons for photogeneration of an
electron-hole pair is from about 190 nm to about 1,100 nm for
silicon, from about 400 nm to about 1,700 nm for germanium, and
from about 800 nm to about 2,600 nm for indium gallium arsenide,
respectively. A silicon germanium alloy has a narrower band gap
than silicon, and the wavelength range for photogeneration of an
electron-hole pair in a silicon germanium alloy is shifted toward
longer wavelengths relative to the wavelength range for
photogeneration of an electron-hole pair in silicon. Conversely, a
silicon carbon alloy has a wider band gap than silicon, and the
wavelength range for photogeneration of an electron-hole pair in a
silicon carbon alloy is shifted toward shorter wavelengths relative
to the wavelength range for photogeneration of an electron-hole
pair in silicon. The wavelength range that induces photogeneration
of an electron-hole pair in the first photosensitive diode (32, 34)
is herein referred to as a first wavelength range. In one
embodiment, the first semiconductor material is germanium and the
first wavelength range is from about 400 nm to about 1,700 nm.
[0064] If the electron-hole pair is generated within the depletion
region of the first photosensitive diode (32, 34), the charge
carriers (holes and electrons) drift apart due to the kinetic
energy imparted to the charge carriers during the photogeneration
process. If a minority carrier (a charge carrier of the first
conductivity type in the first charge collection well 34 or a
charge carrier of the second conductivity type in the first
semiconductor portion 32) enters into the depletion region by
drifting, the electric field inherent in the depletion region of
the first photosensitive diode (32, 34) sweeps the carrier across
the p-n junction, which then becomes a majority carrier, i.e., a
charge carrier of the first conductivity type in the first
semiconductor portion 32 or a charge carrier of the second
conductivity type in the first charge collection well 34, upon
crossing the p-n junction, and producing a photocurrent if the
circuit is closed, or accumulates charges. Particularly, if the
carrier is a carrier of the second conductivity type, the carrier
accumulates in the first charge collection well 34. The amount of
charge that accumulates in the first charge collection well 34 is
nearly linear to the number of incident photons (assuming the
photons have the same energy distribution). If the minority carrier
recombines with the majority carriers within the first
photosensitive diode (32, 34) prior to entering the depletion
region, the minority carrier is "lost" through recombination and no
current or charge accumulation results.
[0065] A first via level dielectric layer 60 is formed by
deposition of a dielectric material, which comprises an optically
transparent dielectric material. Optical transparency as referred
to in the description of the present invention refers to
transparency for the purposes of light transmission for the
wavelength of concern, which may include visible spectrum, infrared
spectrum, and/or ultraviolet spectrum. A typical optically
transparent dielectric material is silicon oxide including undoped
silicate glass (USG) and various doped silicate glasses. In
addition, any other optically transparent dielectric material may
be employed for the first via level dielectric layer 60. The first
via level dielectric layer 60 may be formed, for example, by
chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The thickness of the first via
level dielectric layer 60 may be from about 100 nm to about 2,000
nm, and typically from about 200 nm to about 1,000 nm, although
lesser and greater thicknesses are contemplated herein.
[0066] First conductive vias 66 are formed in the first via level
dielectric layer 60 by lithographic patterning of first via holes,
followed by deposition of a conductive material and
planarization.
[0067] A first line level dielectric layer 70 is formed by
deposition of a dielectric material, which comprises an optically
transparent dielectric material. The first line level dielectric
layer 70 may comprise any material that may be employed for the
first via level dielectric layer 60. Line troughs are
lithographically formed in the first line level dielectric layer
70, followed by deposition of a conductive material and
planarization to form first conductive lines 78. A dielectric cap
layer 80 may be formed on the first conductive lines 78 and the
first line level dielectric layer 70. Exemplary materials for the
dielectric cap layer 80 include silicon nitride and silicon oxide.
The first via level dielectric layer 60, the first conductive vias
66, the first line level dielectric layer 70, the first conductive
lines 78, and the dielectric cap layer 80 collectively constitute
the first metal interconnect structure 90.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 2, a second component structure of the
exemplary semiconductor structure of the present invention
comprises a second semiconductor substrate 200 and semiconductor
structures formed thereupon. The second semiconductor substrate 200
may be a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate including a
bottom substrate layer 102, a buried insulator layer 110, and a
second semiconductor layer 112. The bottom substrate layer 102 may
comprise a semiconductor material, a metallic material, a
dielectric material, or a combination thereof. The buried insulator
layer 110 comprises a dielectric material such as silicon oxide,
silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, corundum, any other dielectric
material, or a combination thereof. The buried insulator layer 110
is optically transparent in the wavelength range employed for the
purposes of the present invention, and specifically within at least
a portion of the first wavelength range. The thickness of the
buried insulator layer 110 may be from about 30 nm to about 1,000
nm, and typically from about 60 nm to about 5,000 nm, although
lesser and greater thicknesses are contemplated herein.
[0069] Second shallow trench isolation structures 120 comprising a
dielectric material are formed in the second semiconductor layer
112 by methods known in the art. The second semiconductor layer 112
comprises a second semiconductor material. The second semiconductor
layer 112 may have a doping of the first conductivity type or a
doping of the second conductivity type. The thickness of the second
semiconductor layer 112 may be from about 100 nm to about 5,000 nm,
and typically from about 200 nm to about 2,000 nm, although lesser
and greater thicknesses are contemplated herein also.
[0070] The second semiconductor material may be a lightly-doped
semiconductor material, i.e., doped at a dopant concentration from
about 1.0.times.10.sup.14/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.15/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.17/cm.sup.3.
Non-limiting examples of the second semiconductor material include
silicon, a silicon germanium alloy portion, silicon, germanium, a
silicon-germanium alloy portion, a silicon carbon alloy portion, a
silicon-germanium-carbon alloy portion, gallium arsenide, indium
arsenide, indium gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, lead sulfide,
other III-V compound semiconductor materials, and II-VI compound
semiconductor materials.
[0071] The second semiconductor material is a different material
from the first semiconductor material. Particularly, the second
semiconductor material has a second band gap, which is different
from the band gap of the first semiconductor material, which is
herein referred to as a first band gap. Due to the differences in
the band gap, the wavelength range in which the second
semiconductor material reacts to light for the purposes of
photogeneration, which is herein referred to as a second wavelength
range, is different from the first wavelength range.
[0072] In one embodiment, germanium may be employed for the first
semiconductor material and silicon may be employed for the second
semiconductor material. Preferably, the second semiconductor layer
112 is single crystalline, i.e., the second semiconductor material
is epitaxially aligned atomically within the entirety of the second
semiconductor layer 112.
[0073] Gate electrodes and source and drain regions are formed in
the second semiconductor layer 112 by methods known in the art. One
of the gate electrodes formed on the second semiconductor layer 112
is a transfer gate electrode 150. A floating drain region 140 is
formed in the second semiconductor layer by masked implantation of
dopants of the opposite conductivity type than the conductivity
type of the second semiconductor layer 112. For example, the second
semiconductor layer 112 may have a p-type doping and the floating
drain region 140 may have an n-type doping, or vice versa. The
doping type of the floating drain region 140 may be the first
conductivity type or the second conductivity type.
[0074] Further, dopants of the opposite conductivity type to the
doping type of the second semiconductor layer 112 are implanted
into the second semiconductor layer 112 by masked ion implantation
to form a second charge collection well 134. The second charge
collection well 134 has of doping of the opposite conductivity type
to the doping type of the second semiconductor layer 112. For
example, if the second semiconductor layer 112 has a p-type doping,
the second charge collection well 134 has an n-type doping, and
vice versa. The dopant concentration of the second charge
collection well 134 may be from about 1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3
to about 1.0.times.10.sup.21/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.19/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.20/cm.sup.3,
although lesser and greater dopant concentrations are also
contemplated herein. The thickness of the second charge collection
well 134 may be from about 50 nm to about 2,000 nm, and typically
from about 100 nm to about 1,000 nm, although lesser and greater
thicknesses are contemplated herein also.
[0075] A p-n junction is formed between the second charge
collection well 134 and the portion of the second semiconductor
layer 112 abutting the second charge collection well 134. The
portion of the second semiconductor layer 112 directly underneath
the bottom surface of the second charge collection well 134 is
herein referred to as a second semiconductor portion 132.
Typically, the thickness of the second semiconductor portion 132 is
the effective range for diffusion of charge carriers from the
bottom of the second charge collection well 134. Typically, the
thickness of the second semiconductor portion 132 may be from about
500 nm to about 5,000 nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses
are contemplated herein also.
[0076] Depletion regions are formed in each of the second charge
collection well 134 and the second semiconductor portion 132 around
the p-n junction. The entirety of the second semiconductor portion
132 comprises the second semiconductor material. The dopant
concentration of the second semiconductor portion 132 is typically
the same as the dopant concentration of the second semiconductor
layer 112, e.g., 1.0.times.10.sup.14/cm.sup.3 to about
1.0.times.10.sup.18/cm.sup.3, and typically from about
1.0.times.10.sup.15/cm.sup.3 to about 1.0.times.10.sup.17/cm.sup.3,
although lesser and greater concentrations are also contemplated
herein.
[0077] The second semiconductor portion 132 and the second charge
collection well 134 collectively constitute a second photosensitive
diode (132, 134) that generates electron-hole pairs upon
illumination. Charge carriers of the of the same conductivity type
as the doping type of the second charge collection well 134 are
collected in the second charge collection well 134 in proportion to
the amount of photons impinging into the second photosensitive
diode (132, 134). In case the second charge collection well 134 has
an n-type doping, electrons are collected in the second charge
collection well 134. In case the second charge collection well 134
has a p-type doping, holes are collected in the second charge
collection well 134. A photon impinging on the second
photosensitive diode (132, 134) generates an electron-hole pair if
the photon interacts with the semiconductor material in the second
photosensitive diode (132, 134).
[0078] The energy of the photon that induces electron-hole pair
generation depends on the band gap of the second semiconductor
material. The wider the band gap, the greater the energy of a
photon that is required to generate an electron-hole pair. Since
the first band gap and the second band gap are different, the
energy range of photon and the corresponding wavelength range of
the photon for photogeneration are different between the first
photosensitive diode (32, 34) and the second photosensitive diode
(132, 134). Photogeneration of an electron-hole pair in the second
photosensitive diode (132, 134) is induced only in the second
wavelength range, which is different from the first wavelength
range. In one embodiment, the first semiconductor material is
germanium and the first wavelength range is from about 400 nm to
about 1,700 nm, and the second semiconductor material is silicon
and the second wavelength range is from about 190 nm to about 1,100
nm.
[0079] The operating principle of the second photosensitive diode
(132, 134) is the same as the operating principle of the first
photosensitive diode (32, 34).
[0080] The floating drain region 140, the second charge collection
well 134, and the transfer gate electrode 150 collectively
constitute a transfer transistor. The second charge collection well
134 is also a source region of the transfer transistor. Thus, the
source region of the transfer transistor and the second charge
collection well 134 are the same, and thus are integrally formed,
i.e., of unitary construction. At least one field effect transistor
152 may be formed on the second semiconductor layer 112. The at
least one field effect transistor 152 may be employed to form a
complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor cell
circuitry.
[0081] A second dielectric layer 160 is formed by deposition of a
dielectric material, which comprises an optically transparent
dielectric material. A typical optically transparent dielectric
material is silicon oxide including undoped silicate glass (USG)
and various doped silicate glasses. In addition, any other
optically transparent dielectric material may be employed for the
second dielectric layer 160. The second dielectric layer 160 may be
formed, for example, by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The
thickness of the second dielectric layer may be from about 100 nm
to about 2,000 nm, and typically from about 200 nm to about 1,000
nm, although lesser and greater thicknesses are contemplated
herein.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, a handle substrate 210 is added to the
second component structure of the present invention by bonding to
the top surface of the second dielectric layer 160. The handle
substrate 210 may comprise a semiconductor material, a metallic
material, a dielectric material, or a combination thereof. The
bonding may be effected by methods known in the art for promoting
adhesion between two adjoining layers. The handle substrate 210 is
thick enough to provide sufficient mechanical strength for handling
after subsequent removal of the bottom substrate layer 102. The
thickness of the handle substrate 210 may be from about 100 .mu.m
to about 2,000 .mu.m, and typically from about 300 .mu.m to about
1,000 .mu.m, although lesser and greater thicknesses are
contemplated herein also.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, the bottom substrate layer 102 is
removed from the second component structure of the present
invention. The removal of the bottom substrate layer 102 may be
effected by methods known in the art including, for example,
mechanical grinding, chemical mechanical polishing, chemical
etching, cleaving, or a combination thereof. In case cleaving is
employed, a cleaving layer may be formed by methods known in the
art including ion implantation of cleavage promoting species such
as hydrogen. Preferably, the bottom surface of the buried insulator
layer 110 is exposed. The bottom surface of the buried insulator
layer 110 may be polished to provide a smooth surface in
preparation for a second bonding to be subsequently performed.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 5, the second component structure is
bonded to the first component structure. Optionally, an adhesion
promoting dielectric layer 300 may be applied between the top
surface of the first component structure 100 and the bottom surface
of the second component structure. The adhesion promoting
dielectric layer 300 is optically transparent within the first
wavelength range. The adhesion promoting dielectric layer 300 may
comprise silicon oxide or a polymer such as benzocyclobutene (BCB,
C.sub.8H.sub.8). The thickness of the adhesion promoting dielectric
layer 300 may be from about 10 nm to about 1,000 nm, and typically
from about 50 nm to about 3,000 nm, although lesser and greater
thicknesses are contemplated herein also. Elevated temperature
and/or compressive pressure at the interface may be employed to
bond the second component structure to the first component
structure with, or without, the adhesion promoting layer 300
therebetween. The second component structure is aligned over the
first component structure so that the first photosensitive diode
(32, 34) is located underneath the area of the second
photosensitive diode (132, 134). The assembly of the second
component structure (200, 210), the first component structure 100,
and the adhesion promoting dielectric layer 300, if present, is
collectively referred to as the exemplary semiconductor structure
herebelow.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, the handle substrate 210 is removed
from the exemplary semiconductor structure employing methods in the
art, including, for example, mechanical grinding, chemical
mechanical polishing, chemical etching, cleaving, or a combination
thereof. In case cleaving is employed, a cleaving layer may be
formed by methods known in the art including ion implantation of
cleavage promoting species such as hydrogen. A top surface of the
second dielectric layer 160 is exposed, which may be polished or
planarized as needed.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 8, second via holes of a first type that
reaches down to semiconductor structures located in the second
dielectric layer 160 or on the second semiconductor layer 112 are
formed in the second dielectric layer 160 by lithographic means and
a pattern transfer into the second dielectric layer 160. In
addition, second via holes of a second type that extends through
the second dielectric layer 160, a portion of the second shallow
trench isolation structure 120, the buried insulator layer 110, the
adhesion promoting dielectric layer 300, if present, and the
dielectric cap layer 80 and exposes a top surface of the first
conductive lines 78 are formed by lithographic means and a pattern
transfer, for example, by an anisotropic etch. Further, line
troughs may be formed in the upper portion of the second dielectric
layer.
[0087] Second conductive vias 166, at least one conductive
structure 164, and second conductive lines 178 are formed in the
second dielectric layer 160 by deposition of a conductive material
and planarization. The at least one conductive structure 164 may be
a conductive via that extends from the top surface of one of the
first conductive lines 78 to the bottom surface of one of the
second conductive lines 178. The second conductive vias 166, at
least one conductive structure 164, and second conductive lines 178
may be formed simultaneously in a dual damascene processing scheme,
or in at least two stages, for example, by employing a single
damascene processing scheme.
[0088] Further, the second dielectric layer 160, the buried
insulator layer 110, the adhesion promotion dielectric layer 300,
and the dielectric cap layer 80, the first line level dielectric
layer 70, and the first via level dielectric layer 60 are optically
transparent in at least a portion of the first wavelength range,
and preferably within the entirety of the first wavelength range.
Since the first band gap is different from the second band gap and
the first wavelength range is different from the second wavelength
range, the second semiconductor material of the second
photosensitive diode (132, 134) is optically transparent at least
within a portion of the first wavelength range. In case the first
semiconductor material is germanium and the first wavelength range
is from about 400 nm to about 1,700 nm and the second semiconductor
material is silicon and the second wavelength range is from about
190 nm to about 1,100 nm, the second photosensitive diode (132,
134) is transparent at least in the wavelength range from about
1,100 nm to about 1,700 nm. Practically, due to inherent
inefficiency of photogeneration near the edge of the second
wavelength range, the range of wavelength over which the second
photosensitive diode (132, 134) is substantially transparent may
extend below 1,100 nm. Thus, a transparent optical path is provided
for a wavelength range that includes at least a portion of the
first wavelength range between the second dielectric layer 160 and
the first photosensitive diode (132, 134).
[0089] Referring to FIG. 9, a first level dielectric cap layer 410
and a third dielectric layer 420 are formed over the second
dielectric layer 160. The first level dielectric cap layer 410 may
comprise a dielectric material that promotes adhesion of materials,
suppresses electromigration, and/or provides protection against
diffusion of impurities such as oxygen, moisture, and metallic
impurities. For example, the first level dielectric cap layer 410
may comprise silicon nitride. Typically, the first level dielectric
cap layer 410 is removed from above the area of the first
photosensitive diode (32, 34) and the second photosensitive diode
(132, 134).
[0090] The third dielectric layer 420 comprises an optically
transparent dielectric material. The third dielectric layer 420 may
comprise any of the material that may be employed for the first via
level dielectric layer 60 or the first line level dielectric layer
70. Third conductive vias 416 and third conductive lines 418 are
formed in the third dielectric layer 60 in a manner similar to the
formation of the second conductive vias 166 and second conductive
lines 178.
[0091] A second level dielectric cap layer 430 may be formed on the
third conductive lines 418 and the third dielectric layer 420.
Exemplary materials for the second level dielectric cap layer 430
include silicon nitride and silicon oxide.
[0092] While the present invention is described with two levels of
metal interconnect structures, as many levels of metal interconnect
structures may be formed as needed. Such variations are explicitly
contemplated herein.
[0093] Optionally, color filters may be formed on the metal
interconnect structures. The color filters may limit the detection
wavelength range for the first photosensitive diode (32, 34) and/or
for the second photosensitive diode (132, 134). Different color
filters may be employed to alter wavelength range sensitivity of
each pair of vertically stacked photosensitive diodes (32, 34, 132,
134). For illustration, the exemplary semiconductor structure
includes a first color filter 440A, a second color filter 440B, and
a third color filter 440C. Each color filter is located in an
optical path that extends to a pair of vertically stacked
photosensitive diodes (32, 34, 132, 134) located underneath.
[0094] Optionally, optical lenses 450 may be formed on the metal
interconnect structures instead of, or in conjunction with, the
color filters. The optical lenses 450 may be formed above, or
beneath, the color filters. The optical lenses 450 help focus
incident light on the first photosensitive diode (32, 34) and the
second photosensitive diode (132, 134). Each optical lens 450 is
located in an optical path that extends to a pair of vertically
stacked photosensitive diodes (32, 34, 132, 134) located
underneath.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 9, a first exemplary semiconductor circuit
according to the present invention comprises a first group of
devices labeled "first layer devices" and a second group of devices
labeled "second layer devices." In a first embodiment, the first
layer devices may be formed in or on the first semiconductor layer
12 of FIG. 8 employing the first semiconductor material, and the
second layer devices may be formed in or on the second
semiconductor layer 112 of FIG. 8 employing the second
semiconductor material. In a second embodiment, the first layer
devices may be formed in or on the second semiconductor layer 112
of FIG. 8 employing the second semiconductor material, and the
second layer devices may be formed in or on the first semiconductor
layer 12 of FIG. 8 employing the first semiconductor material.
While the present invention is described for the first embodiment,
practice of the second embodiment of the present invention is
straightforward, and is explicitly contemplated herein.
[0096] The first exemplary semiconductor circuit comprises a
parallel connection of a first device set and a second device set.
The first device set comprises a serial connection of a first
photosensitive diode PD1 having a first detection wavelength range
for photogeneration of charge carriers and a first field effect
transistor, which is a first transfer gate transistor TG1. The
second device set comprises a serial connection of a second
photosensitive diode PD2 having a second detection wavelength range
for photogeneration of charge carriers and a second field effect
transistor, which is a second transfer gate transistor TG2. The
drain of the first transfer transistor TG1 and the drain of the
second transfer transistor TG2 are electrically tied. A node of the
first photosensitive diode PD1, which corresponds to the first
semiconductor portion 32 in the exemplary semiconductor structure
in FIG. 8, and a node of the second photosensitive diode PD2, which
corresponds to the second semiconductor portion 132 in the
exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 8, are connected to
electrical ground.
[0097] The first exemplary semiconductor circuit displays an
optically dependent circuit response. The first photosensitive
diode PD1 and the second photosensitive diode PD2 have different
optical characteristics. Specifically, the first detection
wavelength range, which is the effective range of light wavelength
within which the first photosensitive diode PD1 generates charges,
is different from the second wavelength detection range. For
example, the first photosensitive diode PD1 may be implemented in a
first semiconductor layer 12 of the exemplary semiconductor
structure in FIG. 8, corresponding to the first detection
wavelength range from about 400 nm to about 1,700 nm, and the
second photosensitive diode PD2 may be implemented in a second
semiconductor layer 112 of the exemplary semiconductor structure in
FIG. 8, corresponding to the second detection wavelength range from
about 190 nm to about 1,100 nm.
[0098] Physical structures corresponding to the first
photosensitive diode PD1, the first transfer transistor TG1 and the
reset gate transistor may be formed in the first semiconductor
layer 12 of the exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 8. The
first transfer transistor TG1 includes a first floating drain FD1,
which is the drain of the first transfer transistor TG1. The first
photosensitive diode PD1 of the first exemplary semiconductor
circuit may be physically implemented as the first photosensitive
diode (32, 34) of the exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 8,
which includes the first charge collection well 32 and the first
semiconductor portion 34. The physical implementation of the first
photosensitive diode PD1 may be integrally formed with the physical
implementation of the first transfer transistor TG1 such that the
first charge collection well 32 is also the source region of the
physical implementation of the first transfer transistor.
[0099] A physical structure corresponding to the reset gate
transistor RG is formed in the first semiconductor layer 12 of the
exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 8. One of the drain of
the reset gate transistor RG and the source of the reset gate
transistor RG, depending on what type of field effect transistor
the reset gate transistor RG is, is connected to the drain of the
first transfer transistor TG1 and the drain of the second transfer
transistor TG2. The other of the drain of the reset gate transistor
RG and the source of the reset gate transistor RG is connected to a
power supply source Vdd.
[0100] The first exemplary semiconductor circuit further comprises
a source follower transistor SF. The drain of the first transfer
transistor TG1 and the drain of the second transfer transistor TG2
are directly connected to a gate of the source follower transistor
SF. The first exemplary semiconductor circuit further comprises a
row select transistor RS in a series connection with the source
follower transistor SF. One of a source of the source follower
transistor SF and a drain of the source follower transistor SF is
connected to a source or a drain of the row select transistor RS.
The other of the source of the source follower transistor SF and
the drain of the source follower transistor SF is connected to the
power supply source Vdd.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 10, a second exemplary semiconductor
circuit according to the present invention is derived from the
first exemplary semiconductor circuit by modification of the
configuration of the reset gate transistor RG. As in the first
exemplary semiconductor circuit, the second exemplary semiconductor
circuit comprises a first group of devices labeled "first layer
devices" and a second group of devices labeled "second layer
devices" as in the first exemplary semiconductor circuit. As in the
implementation of first exemplary semiconductor circuit, the first
layer devices may be formed in or on the first semiconductor layer
12 of FIG. 8 employing the first semiconductor material, and the
second layer devices may be formed in or on the second
semiconductor layer 112 of FIG. 8 employing the second
semiconductor material. Alternately, the first layer devices may be
formed in or on the second semiconductor layer 112 of FIG. 8
employing the second semiconductor material, and the second layer
devices may be formed in or on the first semiconductor layer 12 of
FIG. 8 employing the first semiconductor material. While the
present invention is described for the first embodiment, practice
of the second embodiment of the present invention is
straightforward, and is explicitly contemplated herein.
[0102] In contrast with the first exemplary semiconductor circuit,
the reset gate transistor RG belongs to the second group of devices
instead of belonging to the first group of devices. Depending on
the selection of the first semiconductor material and the second
semiconductor material, such rearrangement may result in
improvement in circuit performance.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 11, a third exemplary semiconductor
circuit according to the present invention is derived from the
second exemplary semiconductor circuit by replacing the first
transfer transistor TG1 belonging to the first group of devices
with a binning transistor BG belonging to the second group of
devices. Combined with the first transfer transistor TG1, the
binning transistor BG functions as a switch, or a binning device,
that determines the origin of electrical charges to be stored in
the floating drain FD. As in the first exemplary semiconductor
circuit, the third exemplary semiconductor circuit comprises a
first group of devices labeled "first layer devices" and a second
group of devices labeled "second layer devices" as in the first
exemplary semiconductor circuit. As in the implementation of first
exemplary semiconductor circuit, the first layer devices may be
formed in or on the first semiconductor layer 12 of FIG. 8
employing the first semiconductor material, and the second layer
devices may be formed in or on the second semiconductor layer 112
of FIG. 8 employing the second semiconductor material. For example,
the only physical implementation of the third exemplary
semiconductor circuit to be formed in the first semiconductor layer
12 in the exemplary semiconductor structure of FIG. 8 is the first
photosensitive diode (32, 34) of FIG. 8. Depending on the selection
of the first semiconductor material and the second semiconductor
material, such rearrangement may result in improvement in circuit
performance. Alternately, the first layer devices may be formed in
or on the second semiconductor layer 112 of FIG. 8 employing the
second semiconductor material, and the second layer devices may be
formed in or on the first semiconductor layer 12 of FIG. 8
employing the first semiconductor material. While the present
invention is described for the first embodiment, practice of the
second embodiment of the present invention is straightforward, and
is explicitly contemplated herein.
[0104] A common floating drain is formed for the second transfer
transistor TG2 and the binning transistor BG. The third exemplary
semiconductor circuit comprises a parallel connection of a first
device set and a second device set. The first device set comprises
a serial connection of a first photosensitive diode PD1 having a
first detection wavelength range for photogeneration of charge
carriers and a first field effect transistor, which is the binning
transistor BG. The second device set comprises a serial connection
of a second photosensitive diode PD2 having a second detection
wavelength range for photogeneration of charge carriers and a
second field effect transistor, which is a second transfer gate
transistor TG2. The drain of the binning transistor BG and the
drain of the second transfer transistor TG2 are electrically tied.
A node of the first photosensitive diode PD1, which corresponds to
the first semiconductor portion 32 in the exemplary semiconductor
structure in FIG. 8, and a node of the second photosensitive diode
PD2, which corresponds to the second semiconductor portion 132 in
the exemplary semiconductor structure in FIG. 8, are connected to
electrical ground. The drain of the binning transistor BG and the
drain of the second transfer transistor TG2, which is implemented
as a common physical structure of a floating drain region, is
electrically connected to the gate of the source follower
transistor SF and one of the source of the reset gate transistor RG
or the drain of the reset gate transistor RG.
[0105] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary design flow
900 used for example, in semiconductor design and manufacturing of
the semiconductor circuit according to the present invention.
Design flow 900 may vary depending on the type of integrated
circuit (IC) being designed. For example, a design flow for
building an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) may
differ from a design flow for designing a standard integrated
circuit component. Design structure 920 is preferably an input to a
design process 910 and may come from an intellectual property (IP)
provider, a core developer, or a design company, or may be
generated by the operator of a design flow, or may come from other
sources.
[0106] Design structure 920 comprises an embodiment of present
invention as shown in any of FIGS. 1-11 in the form of schematics
or hardware description language (HDL; e.g. Verilog, VHDL, C, etc.)
The design structure 920 may be contained on one or more machine
readable medium. For example, design structure 920 may be a text
file or a graphical representation of an embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIGS. 1-11.
[0107] Design process 910 preferably synthesizes (or translates) an
embodiment of the invention as show in FIGS. 1-11 into a netlist
980, where netlist 980 is, for example, a list of metal light
shields, wires, transistors, logic gates, control circuits, I/O,
models, etc. that describes the connections to other elements and
circuits in an integrated circuit design and recorded on at least
one of machine readable medium. For example, the medium may be a
CD, a compact flash, other flash memory, a packet of data to be
sent via the Internet, or other networking suitable means. The
synthesis may be an iterative process in which the netlist 980 is
resynthesized one or more times depending on design specifications
and parameters for the circuit.
[0108] The design process 910 may include using a variety of
inputs; for example, inputs from library elements 930 which may
house a set of commonly used elements, circuits, and devices,
including models, layouts, and symbolic representations, for a
given manufacturing technology (e.g., different technology nodes
such as 32 nm, 45 nm, and 90 nm, etc.), design specifications 940,
characterization data 950, verification data 960, design rules 970,
and test data files 985 (which may include, for example, standard
circuit design processes such as timing analysis, verification,
design rule checking, place and route operations, etc. One of
ordinary skill in the art of integrated circuit design can
appreciate the extent of possible electronic design automation
tools and applications used in the design process 910 without
deviating from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The
design structure of the present invention is not limited to any
specific design flow.
[0109] Design process 910 preferably translates an embodiment of
the invention as shown in FIGS. 2-13, along with any additional
integrated circuit deign or data (if applicable), into a second
design structure 990. Design structure 990 resides on a storage
medium in a data format used for the exchange of layout data of
integrated circuits and/or symbolic data format (e.g., information
stored in GDSII (GDS2), GL1, OASIS, map files, or any other
suitable format for storing such design structures). Design
structure 990 may comprise information such as, for example,
symbolic data, map files, test data files, design content files,
manufacturing data, layout parameters, wires, levels of metal,
vias, shapes, data for routing though the manufacturing line, and
any other data required by a semiconductor manufacturer to produce
one of the embodiments of the present invention as shown in FIGS.
1-11. Design structure 990 may then proceed to a stage 995 where,
for example, design structure 990 proceeds to tape-out, is released
to manufacturing, is released to a mask house, is sent to another
design house, is sent back to a customer, etc.
[0110] While the invention has been described in terms of specific
embodiments, it is evident in view of the foregoing description
that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is
intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and
variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention
and the following claims.
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