U.S. patent application number 10/758136 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for method of manufacturing silicon optoelectronic device,silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by the method, and image input and/or output apparatus using the silicon optoelectronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Pil-soo Ahn, Byoung-lyong Choi, Young-gu Jin, Jun-young Kim, Eun-Kyung Lee.
Application Number | 20120161159 10/758136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32906500 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120161159 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Lee; Eun-Kyung ; et
al. |
June 28, 2012 |
Method of manufacturing silicon optoelectronic device,silicon
optoelectronic device manufactured by the method, and image input
and/or output apparatus using the silicon optoelectronic device
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a silicon optoelectronic device, a
silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by the method, and an
image input and/or output apparatus including the silicon
optoelectronic device are provided. The method includes preparing
an n- or p-type silicon-based substrate, forming a microdefect
pattern along a surface of the substrate by etching, forming a
control film with an opening on the microdefect pattern, and
forming a doping region on the surface of the substrate having the
microdefect pattern in such a way that a predetermined dopant of
the opposite type to the substrate is injected onto the substrate
through the opening of the control film to be doped to a depth so
that a photoelectric conversion effect leading to light emission
and/or reception by quantum confinement effect in the p-n junction
occurs. The silicon optoelectronic device has superior
light-emitting efficiency, can be used as at least one of a
light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, and has high
wavelength selectivity. In addition, the silicon optoelectronic
device panel having the two-dimensional array of the silicon
optoelectronic devices can be applied in the image input and/or
output apparatus capable of directly displaying an image and/or
inputting optical information in a screen.
Inventors: |
Lee; Eun-Kyung;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Choi; Byoung-lyong; (Seoul,
KR) ; Ahn; Pil-soo; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Kim;
Jun-young; (Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Jin; Young-gu;
(Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co,
Ltd.
Gyeonggi-do
KR
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20040227140 A1 |
November 18, 2004 |
|
|
Family ID: |
32906500 |
Appl. No.: |
10/758136 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10122421 |
Apr 16, 2002 |
6930330 |
|
|
10758136 |
Jan 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
257/79 ; 257/98;
438/22; 438/29; 438/45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 33/0054 20130101;
H01L 27/14645 20130101; H01L 31/035281 20130101; H01L 31/1804
20130101; B82Y 10/00 20130101; H01L 27/14683 20130101; H01L
27/14621 20130101; Y02P 70/50 20151101; Y02E 10/547 20130101; Y02P
70/521 20151101; H01L 33/24 20130101; G01Q 80/00 20130101; H01L
27/14601 20130101; B82Y 20/00 20130101; B82Y 30/00 20130101; H01L
27/156 20130101; H01L 31/02363 20130101; H01L 31/028 20130101; H01L
33/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
257/079 ;
438/022; 438/029; 438/045; 257/098 |
International
Class: |
H01L 21/00 20060101
H01L021/00; H01L 27/15 20060101 H01L027/15; H01L 33/00 20060101
H01L033/00; H01L 31/12 20060101 H01L031/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 17, 2003 |
KR |
2003-3259 |
Jan 10, 2002 |
KR |
2002-1431 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a silicon optoelectronic device
comprising: preparing an n- or p-type silicon-based substrate;
forming a microdefect pattern along a surface of the substrate by
etching; forming a control film with an opening on the microdefect
pattern; and forming a doping region on the surface of the
substrate having the microdefect pattern in such a way that a
predetermined dopant of the opposite type to the substrate is
injected onto the substrate through the opening of the control film
to be doped to a depth so that a photoelectric conversion effect
leading to light emission and/or reception by quantum confinement
effect in a p-n junction occurs.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the microdefect
pattern comprises: forming a mask layer on the surface of the
substrate; forming openings of a desired size and period in the
mask layer; etching the surface of the substrate corresponding to
the openings of the mask layer to form the microdefect pattern
along the surface of the substrate; and removing the mask
layer.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein forming the openings of
a desired size and period in the mask layer is carried out using a
single probe or a multi-probe having an array of a plurality of
probes.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the probe is an atomic
force microscopy (AFM) probe.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control film is a
silicon oxide film to allow the doping region to be formed to the
depth such that a photoelectrical conversion effect by quantum
confinement in the p-n junction between the doped region and the
substrate occurs.
6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising forming
first and second electrodes on the substrate to be electrically
connected to the doping region.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the doping
region is carried out by non-equilibrium diffusion of the
predetermined dopant.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control film is
selectively removed after the formation of the doping region.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the microdefect pattern
has a period corresponding to the wavelength of light emitted
and/or received.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the microdefect
pattern is formed to a single period to emit and/or receive light
of a single wavelength.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein when the control film
is formed with a plurality of openings on the microdefect pattern
and a plurality of doping regions are formed through the openings,
an array of a plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices is
formed.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein when the microdefect
pattern is formed to a plurality of microdefect pattern regions
having different periods, the control film is formed with a
plurality of openings corresponding to the periods, and a plurality
of doping regions are formed through the openings, an array of a
plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices that emit and/or
receive light of a plurality of wavelengths is formed.
13. A silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by the method
according to claim 1.
14. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 13,
wherein the microdefect pattern has a period corresponding to the
wavelength of light emitted and/or received.
15. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 14,
wherein the microdefect pattern is formed to a single period to
emit and/or receive light of a single wavelength.
16. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 14,
wherein when the microdefect pattern is formed to a plurality of
microdefect pattern regions having different periods, the control
film is formed with a plurality of openings corresponding to the
periods, and a plurality of doping regions are formed through the
openings, an array of a plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices
that emit and/or receive light of a plurality of wavelengths is
formed.
17. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 13,
wherein the control film is selectively removed after the formation
of the doping region.
18. A silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by the method
according to claim 2.
19. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 18,
wherein the microdefect pattern has a period corresponding to the
wavelength of light emitted and/or received.
20. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 19,
wherein the microdefect pattern is formed to a single period to
emit and/or receive light of a single wavelength.
21. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 19,
wherein when the microdefect patterns formed to a plurality of
microdefect pattern regions having different periods, the control
film is formed with a plurality of openings corresponding to the
periods, and a plurality of doping regions are formed through the
openings, an array of a plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices
that emit and/or receive light of a plurality of wavelengths is
formed.
22. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 18,
wherein the control film is selectively removed after the formation
of the doping region.
23. A silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by the method
according to claim 6.
24. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 23,
wherein the microdefect pattern has a period corresponding to the
wavelength of light emitted and/or received.
25. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 24,
wherein the microdefect pattern is formed to a single period to
emit and/or receive light of a single wavelength.
26. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 24,
wherein when the microdefect pattern is formed to a plurality of
microdefect pattern regions having different periods, the control
film is formed with a plurality of openings corresponding to the
periods, and a plurality of doping regions are formed through the
openings, an array of a plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices
that emit and/or receive light of a plurality of wavelengths is
formed.
27. The silicon optoelectronic device according to claim 23,
wherein the control film is selectively removed after the formation
of the doping region.
28. An image input and/or output apparatus comprising a silicon
optoelectronic device panel having a two-dimensional array of
silicon optoelectronic devices, each of which inputs and/or outputs
an image, formed on an n- or p-type silicon-based substrate, each
of the silicon optoelectronic devices comprising: a microdefect
pattern formed along a surface of the substrate by etching; and a
doping region formed on the surface of the substrate having the
microdefect pattern using a predetermined dopant of the opposite
type to the substrate to be doped to a depth so that a
photoelectric conversion effect leading to light emission and/or
reception by quantum confinement effect in a p-n junction
occurs.
29. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein the microdefect pattern is formed by forming a mask layer
on the surface of the substrate; forming openings of a desired size
and period in the mask layer; and etching the surface of the
substrate corresponding to the openings of the mask layer.
30. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein the microdefect pattern has a period corresponding to the
wavelength of light emitted and/or received.
31. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein when both input and output of an image are possible, some
of the silicon optoelectronic devices input an image and the others
of the silicon optoelectronic devices output an image.
32. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein when both input and output of an image are possible, each
of the silicon optoelectronic devices inputs and outputs an
image.
33. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein electrodes are patterned on the substrate to carry out the
input and/or output of an image from the silicon optoelectronic
device panel on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
34. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 28,
wherein the silicon optoelectronic device panel comprises three or
more of the silicon optoelectronic devices per each pixel.
35. The image input and/or output apparatus according to claim 34,
wherein the three or more of the silicon optoelectronic devices
corresponding to each pixel have microdefect patterns of different
periods and emit and/or receive light of different wavelengths to
represent a color image.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the priority from Korean Patent
Application No. 2003-3259, filed on Jan. 17, 2003, in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a
silicon optoelectronic device, a silicon optoelectronic device
manufactured by the method, and an image input and/or output
apparatus having the silicon optoelectronic device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An advantage of using a silicon semiconductor substrate is
that it provides excellent reliability and allows highly integrated
density of a logic device, an operation device, and a drive device
on the substrate. Also, a silicon semiconductor material can be
used in fabrication of a highly integrated circuit at much lower
cost than a compound semiconductor material, due to the use of
inexpensive silicon. That is why many integrated circuits use
silicon as their basic material.
[0006] In this regard, studies on fabrication of silicon-based
light-emitting devices have been continued to compatibly use them
in fabrication of integrated circuits and to obtain inexpensive
photoelectronic devices. It has been demonstrated that porous
silicon and nano-crystal silicon have light emission
characteristics.
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts the section of a porous silicon region formed
at a bulk monocrystalline silicon surface, and an energy band gap
between the valence band and the conduction band of the porous
silicon region.
[0008] Porous silicon is the result of anodic electrochemical
dissolution of the surface of bulk monocrystalline silicon, for
example, in an electrolyte solution containing a hydrofluoric acid
(HF).
[0009] When bulk silicon is subjected to anodic electrochemical
dissolution in a HF solution, a porous silicon region 70 having
numerous pores 70a is formed at the surface of the bulk silicon, as
shown in FIG. 1. The pores 70a have more Si--H bonds, relative to
intact areas 70b which have not been dissolved by a HF solution.
The energy band gap between the valence band energy (Ev) and the
conduction band energy (Ec) of the porous silicon region 70 has a
shape contrasting to the porous silicon region 70.
[0010] Depressions between prominences in energy bands, i.e., the
intact areas 70b between the pores 70a in the porous silicon region
70 exhibits a quantum confinement effect. Therefore, the energy
band gap of the depression becomes larger than that of the bulk
silicon, and electrons and holes are trapped in the intact areas
70b, thereby inducing light-emitting recombination.
[0011] For example, in the porous silicon region 70, when the
intact areas 70b between the pores 70a are formed in the shape of
monocrystalline silicon wires that exhibit a quantum confinement
effect, electrons and holes are trapped in the wires, thereby
inducing light-emitting recombination. A light-emitting wavelength
can vary from a near-infrared light area to a blue light area
wavelength according to the sizes (widths and lengths) of the
wires. In this case, the period of the pores 70a may be about 5 nm
and the maximal thickness of the porous silicon region may be 3 nm,
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] Therefore, when a predetermined voltage is applied to
monocrystalline silicon having the porous silicon region 70 in a
porous silicon based light-emitting device, light of a
predetermined wavelength band can be emitted according to
porosity.
[0013] However, a porous silicon based light-emitting device as
described above does not yet provide reliability as a
light-emitting device and exhibits external quantum efficiency
(EQE) as low as 0.1%.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a
nano-crystal silicon light-emitting device.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 2, a nano-crystal silicon light-emitting
device comprises a stacked structure of a p-type monocrystalline
silicon substrate 72, an amorphous silicon layer 73 formed on the
substrate 72, an insulator 75 formed on the amorphous silicon layer
73, and lower and upper electrodes 76 and 77 formed on the lower
surface of the substrate 72 and the upper surface of the insulator
75, respectively. Nano-crystal silicon quantum dots 74 are formed
in the amorphous silicon layer 73.
[0016] When the amorphous silicon layer 73 is recrystallized by
rapid heat treatment at 700.degree. C. under an oxygen atmosphere,
the nano-crystal silicon quantum dots 74 are formed. In this case,
the amorphous silicon layer 73 has a thickness of 3 nm and the
nano-crystal silicon quantum dots 74 have a diameter of about 2 to
3 nm.
[0017] In a light-emitting device using the nano-crystal silicon
quantum dots 74 as described above, when a reverse voltage is
applied across the upper and lower electrodes 77 and 76, a high
electric field is generated at both ends of the amorphous silicon
layer between the silicon substrate 72 and the nano-crystal silicon
quantum dots 74, thereby generating electrons and holes of
high-energy states. Therefore, the tunneling of the generated
electrons and holes into the nano-crystal silicon quantum dots 74
occurs, thereby resulting in light-emitting recombination. In this
case, a light-emitting wavelength in a light-emitting device using
the nano-crystal silicon quantum dots 74 decreases as the sizes of
the nano-crystal silicon quantum dots decrease.
[0018] However, light-emitting devices using the nano-crystal
silicon quantum dots 74 have problems in that it is difficult to
control the sizes of the nano-crystal silicon quantum dots and to
obtain the uniformity of the nano-crystal silicon quantum dots, and
light-emitting efficiency is very low.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a
silicon optoelectronic device which has excellent light-emitting
efficiency, can be used as at least one of a light-emitting device
and a light-receiving device, and has high wavelength selectivity.
The present invention also provides a silicon optoelectronic device
manufactured by the method and an image input and/or output
apparatus used the silicon optoelectronic device.
[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of manufacturing a silicon optoelectronic device
comprising: preparing an n- or p-type silicon-based substrate;
forming a microdefect pattern along a surface of the substrate by
etching; forming a control film with an opening on the microdefect
pattern and forming a doping region on the surface of the substrate
having the microdefect pattern in such a way that a predetermined
dopant of the opposite type to the substrate is injected onto the
substrate through the opening of the control film to be doped to a
depth so that a photoelectric conversion effect leading to light
emission and/or reception by quantum confinement effect in a p-n
junction occurs.
[0021] Forming the microdefect pattern may comprise: forming a mask
layer on the surface of the substrate; forming openings of a
desired size and period in the mask layer; etching the surface of
the substrate corresponding to the openings of the mask layer to
form the microdefect pattern along the surface of the substrate;
and removing the mask layer.
[0022] Forming the openings of a desired size and period in the
mask layer may be carried out using a single probe or a multi-probe
having an array of a plurality of probes.
[0023] The probe may be an atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe.
[0024] The control film may be a silicon oxide film to allow the
doping region to be formed to the depth such that a photoelectrical
conversion effect by quantum confinement in the p-n junction
between the doped region and the substrate occurs.
[0025] The microdefect pattern may have a period corresponding to
the wavelength of light emitted and/or received.
[0026] The microdefect pattern may be formed to a single period to
emit and/or receive light of a single wavelength.
[0027] When the control film is formed with a plurality of openings
on the microdefect pattern and a plurality of doping regions are
formed through the openings, an array of a plurality of silicon
optoelectronic devices may be obtained.
[0028] When the microdefect pattern is formed to a plurality of
microdefect pattern regions having different periods, the control
film is formed with a plurality of openings corresponding to the
periods, and a plurality of doping regions are formed through the
openings, an array of a plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices
that emit and/or receive light of a plurality of wavelengths may be
obtained.
[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by at
least one of the methods as described above.
[0030] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an image input and/or output apparatus comprising
a silicon optoelectronic device panel having a two-dimensional
array of silicon optoelectronic devices, each of which inputs
and/or outputs an image, formed on an n- or p-type silicon-based
substrate, each of the silicon optoelectronic devices comprising: a
microdefect pattern formed along a surface of the substrate by
etching; and a doping region formed on the surface of the substrate
having the microdefect pattern using a predetermined dopant of the
opposite type to the substrate to be doped to a depth so that a
photoelectric conversion effect leading to light emission and/or
reception by quantum confinement effect in a p-n junction
occurs.
[0031] When both input and output of an image are possible, some of
the silicon optoelectronic devices may input an image and the
others of the silicon optoelectronic devices may output an
image.
[0032] When both input and output of an image are possible, each of
the silicon optoelectronic devices may input and output an
image.
[0033] Electrodes may be patterned on the substrate to carry out
the input and/or output of an image from the silicon optoelectronic
device panel on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
[0034] The silicon optoelectronic device panel may comprise three
or more of the silicon optoelectronic devices per each pixel.
[0035] In this case, the three or more of the silicon
optoelectronic devices corresponding to each pixel may have the
microdefect patterns of different periods and may emit and/or
receive light of different wavelengths to represent a color
image.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The above and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent by describing in detail
exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached
drawings in which:
[0037] FIG. 1 depicts the section of a porous silicon region formed
at a bulk monocrystalline silicon surface and an energy band gap
between the valence band and the conduction band of the porous
silicon region;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a
nano-crystal silicon light-emitting device;
[0039] FIGS. 3 through 6 depict processes of manufacturing a
silicon optoelectronic device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a principle of forming an
opening in a mask layer using an atomic force microscopy (AFM)
probe;
[0041] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict various tips used in the AFM
probe;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of patterned openings formed in a
mask layer using an AFM single probe or an AFM multi-probe;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a microdefect pattern having
triangular protrusions formed along a surface of a substrate, i.e.,
a triangular microdefect pattern, as viewed in two dimensions;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a microdefect pattern having
trapezoidal protrusions formed along a surface of a substrate, as
viewed in two dimensions;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a silicon
optoelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 13 depicts microdefect patterns having periods T.sub.R,
T.sub.G, and T.sub.B respectively corresponding to a red light
wavelength band, a green light wavelength band, and a blue light
wavelength band, artificially formed along a surface of a substrate
of a silicon optoelectronic device according to the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 14 depicts a microdefect pattern self-assembled along a
surface of a substrate, like in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/122,421;
[0048] FIG. 15 is a graph showing simulation results of light
emission characteristics of two silicon optoelectronic devices
having respectively periodic triangular and trapezoidal
microdefects formed along the surfaces of substrates as shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11, and a microdefect-free silicon optoelectronic
device, i.e., a silicon optoelectronic device having a planar
substrate surface;
[0049] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of an image input and/or
output apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an image
input and/or output apparatus according to a second embodiment of
the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of the structure of a color
filter in the image input and/or output apparatus shown in FIG.
17;
[0052] FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of an image input and/or
output apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an image
input and/or output apparatus according to the present invention in
an aspect of image input and output;
[0054] FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic views of another embodiment
of an image input and/or output apparatus according to the present
invention in an aspect of image input and output; and
[0055] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a digital television using an
image input and/or output apparatus according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0056] The present applicant has suggested a silicon optoelectronic
device having an ultra-shallow doping region to form a quantum
structure in a p-n junction of a silicon-based substrate under U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/122,421 filed on Apr. 16, 2002,
titled "silicon optoelectronic device and light-emitting apparatus
using the same". In the silicon optoelectronic device disclosed in
the above application, surface flections, i.e., microdefects of a
desired size and period that serve to increase wavelength
selectivity are self-assembled under a specific oxidation condition
and a specific diffusion process. For this reason, uniform
formation and reproduction of the surface flections are very
difficult.
[0057] As mentioned in the above application, the wavelength of a
silicon optoelectronic device having light reception and/or
emission characteristics by a quantum structure formed by an
ultra-shallow diffusion process is determined by microflections
formed along a surface of the silicon optoelectronic device. In
this regard, in order to select a desired wavelength band, the
microflections having a desired size must be arrayed in a desired
period.
[0058] A silicon optoelectronic device according to the present
invention is characterized in that a desired flection structure,
i.e., a microdefect pattern is artificially formed by controlling
the surface shape of the silicon optoelectronic device to thereby
increase the selectivity of a desired wavelength band, unlike in
the above application in which flections are self-assembled along a
surface of a silicon optoelectronic device during the fabrication
of the silicon optoelectronic device. Of course, a silicon
optoelectronic device according to the present invention can both
emit and receive light, like the silicon optoelectronic device
disclosed in the above application.
[0059] A selected wavelength band and the degree of amplification
are determined by the sizes and shapes of surface flections, and
the gap between the surface flections, i.e., the period of the
surface flections. In this regard, when the pattern of the surface
protrusions is optimized according to the applications of silicon
optoelectronic devices, light-emitting efficiency can be increased.
Further, only light of a specific wavelength band can be
efficiently emitted and/or received.
[0060] FIGS. 3 through 6 show processes of manufacturing a silicon
optoelectronic device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, first, an n- or p-type silicon-based
substrate 1 is prepared. The substrate 1 is made of a predetermined
semiconductor material containing silicon (Si), for example, Si,
SiC, or diamond, and is doped to an n-type.
[0062] Next, a microdefect pattern 7 is artificially formed to a
desired size, shape, and period along a surface of the substrate 1
by etching, as shown in FIGS. 4A through 4E. Openings 5 have been
exaggerated in FIG. 4B and the microdefect pattern 7 has been
exaggerated in FIGS. 4C through 4E and FIG. 12 as will be described
later.
[0063] FIGS. 4A through 4E show an example of a method of forming
surface flections to a desired shape and size.
[0064] In order to artificially form the microdefect pattern 7,
first, a mask layer 3 is formed on a surface of the prepared
substrate 1, as shown in FIG. 4A. The mask layer 3 is formed by
coating a photoresist layer of a desired thickness on the surface
of the substrate 1, followed by hard baking.
[0065] Next, the openings 5 of a desired size and period are formed
in the mask layer 3, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0066] The openings 5 may be formed using an atomic force
microscopy (AFM) probe.
[0067] The AFM is a type of a scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that
can obtain stereoscopic information about the surface structure of
a matter and can relatively easily obtain information about atomic
arrangements of surfaces even to angstrom (.ANG.) levels. The AFM
can obtain three-dimensional surface information by scanning a
matter surface in two-dimensions using a small and sharp probe
called as a tip. The AFM uses a principle of imaging a spatial
distribution of the height of a probe while keeping constant a
repulsive force between the probe and the sample surface, i.e., a
distance between the probe and the sample surface. Since a
repulsive force is a force that acts generally on all matters, the
AFM can also be applied in an insulator which does not transmit
electricity.
[0068] When the AFM is used in the formation of the openings 5 in
the mask layer 3 instead of surface information detection, the
openings 5 of a desired size and period can be patterned.
[0069] In the formation of the openings 5 in the mask layer 3, an
AFM having a single probe or an AFM having multi-probe being a
one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of a plurality of probes
may be used.
[0070] FIG. 7 schematically shows a principle of forming the
openings 5 in the mask layer 3 using an AFM probe 11. When a tip 13
of the AFM probe 11 moves in top and bottom directions at least
once or more, the openings 5 of a desired depth can be formed on
the mask layer 3.
[0071] FIGS. 8A and 8B show various tips used in the AFM probe 11.
The shapes of the openings 5 formed in the mask layer 3 vary
depending on the shape of the tip.
[0072] A multi-probe cantilever having a one-dimensional array of a
plurality of AFM probes 11 or a multi-probe cantilever having a
two-dimensional array of a plurality of AFM probes 11 may be used
to form the openings 5 in the mask layer 3. FIG. 9 schematically
shows the openings 5 formed in the mask layer 3 using an AFM having
a single probe or multi-probes.
[0073] An AFM having multi-probes can facilitate a process and can
provide a uniform opening pattern.
[0074] Referring again to FIG. 4B, using an AFM having a single
probe or multi-probes can form the openings 5 of a desired depth,
shape, and period in the mask layer 3.
[0075] In order to obtain a silicon optoelectronic device of a
single wavelength band, the openings 5 are formed to a single
period. In this case, the silicon optoelectronic device emits
and/or receives only light of a specific wavelength band. On the
other hand, in order to obtain a silicon optoelectronic device of a
plurality of wavelength bands, for example, for white light, the
openings 5 are formed to different periods corresponding to the
wavelength bands. In this case, the silicon optoelectronic device
emits and/or receives light of a plurality of wavelength bands.
[0076] The shapes of flections formed by etching can vary according
to the depths of the openings 5 formed in the mask layer 3. FIG. 4B
shows that deep openings 5a are formed in some areas of the mask
layer 3 and shallow openings 5b are formed in the remaining areas
of the mask layer 3.
[0077] In this case, the depth, shape, and period of the openings 5
are selected according to a desired wavelength.
[0078] After forming the openings 5 of a desired depth, shape, and
period in the mask layer 3 as described above, when etching is
carried out as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, a micro-flection pattern,
i.e., the microdefect pattern 7 is formed. Preferably, a dry
etching process is used. A wet etching process may also be
used.
[0079] Thin photoresist areas, i.e., the portions formed the deep
openings 5a are etched and opened faster than thick photoresist
areas, i.e., the portions formed the shallow openings 5b. Exposed
portions of the substrate 1 corresponding to the openings are also
etched during the etching, thereby creating a flectional surface of
the substrate 1. Therefore, the microdefect pattern 7 is
artificially formed along the surface of the substrate 1.
[0080] In this case, the surface of the substrate 1 corresponding
to the deep openings 5a of the mask layer 3 is etched deeply and
widely, thereby forming flections having a triangular peak shape
(similar to a cone or a polygonal pyramid as viewed in
three-dimensions). On the other hand, the surface of the substrate
1 corresponding to the shallow openings 5b of the mask layer 3 is
etched shallowly and narrowly, thereby forming flections having a
trapezoidal peak shape (similar to a truncated cone or a truncated
polygonal pyramid as viewed in three-dimensions).
[0081] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of flections, i.e., a
microdefect pattern 7' having a triangular peak shape formed along
a surface of the substrate 1, as viewed in two dimensions. FIG. 11
is a schematic view of a microdefect pattern 7'' having a
trapezoidal peak shape formed along a surface of the substrate 1,
as viewed in two dimensions.
[0082] As described above, by varying the depths of the openings 5
formed in the mask layer 3, the depth and peak shape of the
flections can vary. Here, the peak shapes of the flections can vary
depending on the etching depth, the shape, size, and/or period of
the openings 5, in addition to the depths of the openings 5 formed
in the mask layer 3.
[0083] The wavelength of light emitted and/or received is
determined by the period of the flections, i.e., the period of the
microdefect pattern 7 formed along the surface of the substrate 1.
Light field strength characteristics according to a wavelength vary
according to the shape and period of the flections.
[0084] In this regard, when the period and shape of the flections
are optimized, a desired wavelength and desired field strength
characteristics can be obtained.
[0085] When the mask layer 3 is removed after the above-described
etching, preferably, dry etching is terminated, the surface of the
substrate 1 having the microdefect pattern 7 is exposed, as shown
in FIG. 4E.
[0086] Since the shape, period, and depth of the microdefect
pattern 7 can be controlled during the processes as shown in FIGS.
4A through 4E, a desired wavelength can be controlled.
[0087] If the period of the microdefect pattern 7, i.e., the
lengths of microcavities, are long, long wavelength light is
amplified. On the other hand, if the lengths of the microcavities
are short, short wavelength light is amplified.
[0088] In this regard, when the lengths of the microcavities
inducing a desired wavelength and a resonance are designed, a
silicon optoelectronic device having enhanced optical efficiency
relative to the silicon optoelectronic device having self-assembled
microcavities disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/122,421 as described above can be obtained.
[0089] Further, when the lengths of the microcavities inducing a
desired wavelength and a resonance are designed so that
amplification and/or absorption of desired wavelength light is
carried out, for example, on a pixel-by-pixel basis on a
silicon-based wafer, an array of silicon optoelectronic devices for
a high efficiency image input and/or output apparatus as will be
described later can be obtained.
[0090] Next, on the microdefect pattern 7 formed along the surface
of the substrate 1 by the processes shown in FIGS. 4A through 4E, a
control film 9 having an opening 9a is formed as shown in FIGS. 5A
and 5B. While FIGS. 5A and 5B show the microdefect pattern 7 formed
to a single period, the microdefect patterns of different periods
can be formed when needed as shown in the processes of FIGS. 4B
through 4E, to thereby emit and/or receive light of a plurality of
wavelengths.
[0091] Preferably, the control film 9 is a silicon oxide
(SiO.sub.2) film with an appropriate thickness so that a doping
region is formed to an ultra-shallow doping depth. For example, the
control film 9 can be patterned in such a way that a SiO.sub.2 film
is formed on the microdefect pattern 7 as shown in FIG. 5A and then
etched by a photolithography process to form the opening 9a for a
diffusion process. The control film thus patterned has a mask
structure as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0092] Preferably, the SiO.sub.2 film is formed by a dry oxidation
process. Since the dry oxidation process is carried out for a long
duration, the substrate 1 can have good surface flections.
[0093] The control film 9 acts as a mask in the formation of the
doping region so that the doping region can be formed to an
ultra-shallow depth. The control film 9 may be removed after the
formation of the doping region.
[0094] Next, the doping region 10 is formed to an ultra-shallow
depth in the surface of the substrate 1 having the microdefect
pattern 7 in such a way that a predetermined dopant of the opposite
type to the substrate 1 is injected into the substrate 1 through
the opening 9a of the control film 9, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0095] When a predetermined dopant such as boron and phosphorus is
injected into the substrate 1 through the opening 9a of the control
film 9 by a non-equilibrium diffusion process (for example), the
doping region 10 is ultra-shallowly doped with the opposite type to
the substrate 1, for example, a p+ type, along the texture of the
microdefect pattern 7. At the same time, a p-n junction 8 having a
quantum structure is formed at an interface between the doping
region 10 and the substrate 1.
[0096] Although a non-equilibrium diffusion process is used herein
for the formation of the ultra-shallow doping region 10, another
processes such as an implantation process can also be used provided
that the doping region 10 can be formed to a desired shallow
depth.
[0097] The substrate 1 may be doped to a p type and the doping
region 10 may be doped to an n+ type.
[0098] As described above, when a doping process is controlled so
that the doping region 10 can be formed to an ultra-shallow depth,
a quantum structure comprised of at least one of quantum wells,
quantum dots, and quantum wires is formed at an interface between
the doping region 10 and substrate 1, i.e., the p-n junction 8.
Therefore, the quantum confinement effect occurs at the p-n
junction 8, thereby expressing the photoelectric conversion
effect.
[0099] Quantum wells are mostly formed at the p-n junction 8.
Quantum dots or quantum wires may also be formed. A composite
structure comprised of two or more types of quantum wells, quantum
dots, and quantum wires may also be formed at the p-n junction 8.
Since the quantum structure formed at the p-n junction 8 is
disclosed in the above-described patent application, the detailed
descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0100] At the quantum structure of the p-n junction 8, doping
portions of opposite conductivity types alternate with each other.
Wells and barriers may be about 2 and 3 nm thick, respectively.
[0101] Such ultra-shallow doping for forming the quantum structure
at the p-n junction 8 can be accomplished by optimally controlling
the thickness of the control film 9 and the conditions of a
diffusion process.
[0102] The thickness of a diffusion profile can be adjusted to
10-20 nm (for example) by an appropriate diffusion temperature and
a deformed potential due to the microdefect pattern 7 formed along
the surface of the substrate 1 during a diffusion process. The
quantum structure is created by the ultra-shallow diffusion profile
thus formed.
[0103] As well known in the field of the diffusion technology, when
a SiO.sub.2 film is thicker than an appropriate thickness (e.g.
several thousand angstroms) or a diffusion temperature is low,
vacancies mainly affect diffusion, thereby causing a deep
diffusion. On the other hand, when a SiO.sub.2 film is thinner than
an appropriate thickness or the diffusion temperature is low, Si
self-interstitials mainly affect diffusion, thereby causing a deep
diffusion. Therefore, when a SiO.sub.2 film is formed to an
appropriate thickness in which the Si self-interstitials and the
vacancies are generated at a similar ratio, combination of the Si
self-interstitials and the vacancies retards dopant diffusion. As a
result, an ultra-shallow doping is accomplished. The physical
properties of the vacancies and the self-interstitials as used
herein are well disclosed in the field of the diffusion technology,
and thus, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0104] When the control film 9 is formed with a plurality of
openings 9a on the microdefect pattern 7 and a plurality of doping
regions 10 are formed through the openings 9a, an array of a
plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices can be obtained.
[0105] When the microdefect pattern 7 is formed to different
periods, the control film 9 is formed with a plurality of openings
9a corresponding to the periods, and a plurality of doping regions
10a are formed through the openings 9a, an array of a plurality of
silicon optoelectronic devices that emit and/or receive light of a
plurality of wavelengths can be obtained.
[0106] Further, when an electrode pattern is formed on the
substrate 1 to be electrically connected to the doping region 10
thus formed, a silicon optoelectronic device 20 shown in FIG. 12 is
obtained.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 12, a first electrode 15 is formed at the
same surface of the substrate 1 as at which the doping region 10 is
formed and a second electrode 17 is formed on the lower surface of
the substrate 1. The same reference numerals as in the
above-described drawings indicate substantially the same
constitutional elements. FIG. 12 shows that the first electrode 15
made of an opaque metal is formed in such a way to be in contact
with external sides of the doping region 10. The first electrode 15
may also be made of a transparent electrode material such as indium
tin oxide (ITO). In this case, the first electrode 15 may be formed
on the entire surface of the doping region 10.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 12, the substrate 1 surface of the silicon
optoelectronic device 20 according to the present invention has a
desired flection structure, i.e., the microdefect pattern 7 formed
by the above-described processes. The microdefect pattern 7 may be
formed to various shapes, in addition to a triangle (see FIG. 10)
or a trapezoid (see FIG. 11).
[0109] The silicon optoelectronic device 20 according to the
present invention as shown in FIG. 12 can be used as a
light-emitting and/or receiving device since the p-n junction 8
between the doping region 10 and the substrate 1 has a quantum
structure at which the creation and recombination of
electrons-holes pairs occur.
[0110] That is, the silicon optoelectronic device 20 functions as a
light-emitting device as follows. For example, if an electric power
(voltage or current) is applied across the first and second
electrodes 15 and 17, carriers, i.e., electrons and holes, are
injected into the quantum wells of the p-n junction 8 and
recombined (annihilated) at a subband energy level of the quantum
wells. In this case, electro luminescence (EL) occurs at various
wavelengths according to the recombination state of carriers, and
only light of a specific wavelength band is amplified and output
according to the period of the microdefect pattern 7. The quantity
of light generated varies depending on the magnitude of the
electric power (voltage or current) applied across the first and
second electrodes 15 and 17.
[0111] The silicon optoelectronic device 20 also functions as a
light-receiving device as follows. When only light of a specific
wavelength band according to the period of the microdefect pattern
7 artificially formed is incident and photons are absorbed in the
p-n junction 8 having the quantum wells, electrons and holes are
excited at a subband energy level of the quantum wells formed at
the p-n junction 8. Therefore, when an external circuit, for
example, a load resistance (not shown) is connected to an output
terminal, current proportional to the quantity of light received is
output.
[0112] The silicon optoelectronic device 20 having the
ultra-shallow doping region 10 as described above has high quantum
efficiency since the quantum confinement effect occurs due to local
variations in potential of charge distribution at the p-n junction
8 and a subband energy level is made in the quantum wells.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 13, according to the present invention,
when the microdefect pattern 7 having desired periods, for example,
periods T.sub.R, T.sub.G, and T.sub.B corresponding to a red light
wavelength band R, a green light wavelength band G, and a blue
light wavelength band B, respectively, are artificially formed
along the surface of the substrate 1, the silicon optoelectronic
device 20 capable of emitting and/or receiving light of desired
specific wavelength bands, for example, red, green, and blue light
can be obtained.
[0114] On the other hand, like in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/122,421, in the case of microdefects 17 self-assembled along a
surface of a substrate, the microdefects have an irregular pattern,
as shown in FIG. 14, thereby lowering the selectivity of wavelength
bands.
[0115] FIG. 15 is a graph showing simulation results of light
emission characteristics of two silicon optoelectronic devices
having respectively periodic triangular (`Triangle`) and
trapezoidal (`Trapezoid`) microdefects 7' and 7'' formed along the
surfaces of substrates 1 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and a
microdefect-free silicon optoelectronic device, i.e., a silicon
optoelectronic device having a plane substrate surface (`Plane`).
Here, a silicon optoelectronic device having self-assembled
irregular microdefects of various sizes exhibits similar light
emission characteristics to the silicon optoelectronic device
having the plane substrate surface.
[0116] In FIG. 15, a horizontal axis represents a generated light
wavelength in nanometers (nm) and a vertical axis represents field
strength of the generated light in an arbitrary unit.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 15, silicon optoelectronic devices having
the microdefect pattern 7 artificially formed according to the
present invention exhibit improved wavelength band selectivity and
light-emitting efficiency, relative to otherwise silicon
optoelectronic devices.
[0118] That is, as shown in FIG. 15, when microdefects artificially
formed along the surface of a substrate have a specific shape and
period, light-emitting efficiency of a specific wavelength band is
greatly enhanced. If the period and size of the microdefects are
changed, a peak (i.e., position of a wavelength band
(.DELTA..lamda.) that exhibits light-emitting efficiency exceeding
a predetermined intensity) can shift and the size of the peak can
also vary.
[0119] FIG. 15 shows the simulation results of two-dimensional
microdefect pattern models as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this
regard, it is understood that a three-dimensional microdefect
pattern can provide more enhanced wavelength band selectivity and
light-emitting efficiency. That is, according to the present
invention, a substrate having a two-dimensional microdefect pattern
provides an emission amplification effect of more than 20 to 30%,
relative to a substrate having a plane surface. Therefore, it is
anticipated that when the microdefect pattern is optimized in
three-dimensions, an emission amplification effect can be more than
doubled.
[0120] As described above, when the microdefect pattern 7 is
artificially formed to a desired shape and period along the surface
of the substrate 1, good selection and amplification of a specific
wavelength band can be ensured.
[0121] In the silicon optoelectronic device disclosed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/122,421 as described above, the
sizes of microdefects that determine wavelength selectivity cannot
be easily controlled since the microdefects are self-assembled. In
the case of microcavities spontaneously formed like in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/122,421, i.e., self-assembled
microcavities, various microcavities of different wavelengths are
easily mixed, and thus, it is difficult to settle the specific
process conditions for wavelength selection.
[0122] However, according to the present invention, desired
microcavities can be artificially formed at desired positions using
very simple processes as shown in FIGS. 4A through 4E. Therefore,
silicon optoelectronic devices of specific wavelength bands can be
easily obtained, thereby improving uniformity and
reproducibility.
[0123] In particular, according to the present invention, since
regular microcavities can be formed along the surface of the
silicon optoelectronic device 20, only light of a specific
wavelength band can be filtered. Furthermore, such regular
microcavities can lead to amplification of light of a specific
wavelength band and attenuation of an unwanted wavelength band,
unlike a conventional plane device surface or self-assembled
irregular microdefects.
[0124] Hereinafter, as an illustrative example of apparatuses using
the silicon optoelectronic device 20 of the present invention, an
image input and/or output apparatus will be described.
[0125] FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of an image input and/or
output apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0126] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 16, an image input and/or output
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention comprises a silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 having
a two-dimensional array of silicon optoelectronic devices 20, each
of which leads to input and/or output of an image, formed on an n-
or p-type silicon-based substrate 1. The term, "image output" as
used herein indicates substantially an image display. The term,
"image input" as used herein indicates substantially generation of
an electric image signal of an object photographed using a camera.
The silicon optoelectronic devices 20 are described in the above,
and thus, the overlapped descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0127] As described above, each of the silicon optoelectronic
devices 20 can be used as a light emitting and/or receiving device
of a specific wavelength band or a plurality of wavelengths bands
due to the creation and recombination of electron-hole pairs by the
quantum confinement effect at the p-n junction 8 of the doping
region 10.
[0128] Therefore, when a two-dimensional array of the silicon
optoelectronic devices 20 is formed on the single substrate 1
through a series of semiconductor manufacture processes, the
silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 capable of inputting and/or
outputting an image can be obtained.
[0129] In this case, the first and second electrodes 15 and 17 are
patterned on the substrate 11 used as a base of the silicon
optoelectronic device panel 25 so that the input and/or output of
an image can be performed on a pixel-by-pixel basis in the silicon
optoelectronic device panel 25 to convert a photographed image into
an electrical image signal and/or to display an image in
two-dimensions.
[0130] Therefore, the silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 having
a two-dimensional array of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20
can input and/or output an image in two-dimensions.
[0131] As described above, the wavelength of light absorbed or
emitted in the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 is determined by
microcavities due to the microdefect pattern 7 artificially formed
along the surface of the substrate 1. In this regard, when the
lengths of the microcavities inducing a desired wavelength and a
resonance are designed so that amplification and/or absorption of
desired wavelength light on a wafer is carried out, for example, on
a pixel-by-pixel basis, the silicon optoelectronic device panel 25
having an array of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 of desired
light wavelength bands can be obtained.
[0132] In this case, when the sizes of the microcavities are
constant, the silicon optoelectronic device 20 outputs and/or
absorbs light of a specific wavelength. On the other hand, when the
sizes of the microcavities are various, the silicon optoelectronic
device 20 outputs and/or absorbs light of various wavelengths, for
example, white light.
[0133] As mentioned above, the first and second electrodes 15 and
17 in the silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 having a
two-dimensional array of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 are
patterned on the silicon-based substrate 1 in such a way that the
input and/or output of an image can be performed on a
pixel-by-pixel basis.
[0134] In an image input and/or output apparatus according to the
present invention, the silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 may
be formed in such a way that one of the silicon optoelectronic
devices 125 corresponds to one pixel P, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0135] In this case, each of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20
may be designed to output and/or absorb light of a single
wavelength or white light.
[0136] When each of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 is
designed to output and/or absorb light of a single wavelength or
white light, an image input and/or output apparatus according to
the present invention can display a monochromic image and/or
generate an electrical monochromic image signal of a photographed
object.
[0137] Meanwhile, an image input and/or output apparatus shown in
FIG. 17 according to a second embodiment of the present invention
comprises a silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 having a
plurality of silicon optoelectronic devices 25, each of which
outputs and/or absorbs white light. The image input and/or output
apparatus further comprises a color filter 30, which is installed
at the front (at the side for input and/or output of light) of the
silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 to display a full-color
image. Therefore, the image input and/or output apparatus can
display a full-color image and/or generate an electrical full-color
image signal for a full color of a photographed object.
[0138] In this case, the color filter 30 is designed in such a way
that all R, G, and B color components correspond to each pixel P,
as shown in FIG. 18.
[0139] The arrangement of the R, G, and B color components of the
color filter 30 is similar to a two-dimensional array of silicon
optoelectronic devices in a silicon optoelectronic device panel 40
(FIG. 19) according to another embodiment of the present invention
as will be described later. Various changes may be made to the
arrangement of the R, G, and B color components in the color filter
30.
[0140] In this way, an image input and/or output apparatus
including the color filter 30 at the front of the silicon
optoelectronic device panel 25 according to the second embodiment
of the present invention can input and/or output a color image.
That is, this apparatus makes it possible to convert a photographed
image into an electrical color image signal and/or to display a
full color image according to the electrical color image
signal.
[0141] FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an image input and/or output
image apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0142] In an image input and/or output apparatus according to the
third embodiment of the present invention, the silicon
optoelectronic device panel 40 is designed in such a way that three
or more silicon optoelectronic devices correspond to each pixel P.
FIG. 19 shows an example of the silicon optoelectronic device panel
40 having three silicon optoelectronic devices 20R, 20G, and 20B
per each pixel P.
[0143] In this case, the three silicon optoelectronic devices 20R,
20G, and 20B corresponding to each pixel P output and/or absorb red
light R, green light G, and blue light B (for example),
respectively and then convert the detected color light into
respective electrical color image signals. The three silicon
optoelectronic devices 20R, 20G, and 20B have microdefect pattern
of different periods corresponding to specific wavelength bands,
for example, red light R, green light G, and blue light B. The
arrangements and used materials of other constitutional elements of
the three silicon optoelectronic devices 20R, 20G, and 20B are the
same as those of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 according to
the present invention described above.
[0144] The silicon optoelectronic device panel 40 according to the
third embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 19 can
display a color image without using a separate color filter.
[0145] The color filter 30 as shown in FIG. 18 may be positioned at
the front of the silicon optoelectronic device panel 40 in order to
represent more distinct color image.
[0146] Various changes may be made with respect to color
arrangement of the three silicon optoelectronic devices 20R, 20G,
and 20B outputting and/or absorbing light of three wavelengths per
each pixel and/or arrangement of the R, G. B components in the
color filter 30.
[0147] As described above, various changes may be made with respect
to input and/or output of an image in an image input and/or output
apparatus according to the present invention that can input and/or
output a monochromic or color image. These changes can be
accomplished by varying the structure of a circuit controlling the
input and/or output of an image.
[0148] That is, an image input and/or output apparatus according to
the present invention can input and output an image using image
input pixels and image output pixels that are alternately arranged,
as shown in FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, pixels represented by oblique
lines are image input pixels, i.e., pixels in which the silicon
optoelectronic devices 20 according to the present invention are
used as light-receiving devices. On the other hand, pixels
represented by empty squares are image output pixels, i.e., pixels
in which the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 according to the
present invention are used as light-emitting devices.
[0149] As shown in FIG. 20, an image input and/or output apparatus
according to the present invention may be formed in such a way that
some of the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 of the silicon
optoelectronic device panel 25 or 40 input an image and the others
of the silicon optoelectronic devices output an image.
[0150] The image input pixels and the image output pixels may have
various arrangements. For example, pixels positioned at
predetermined areas of the silicon optoelectronic device panel 25
or 40 can be used as the image input pixels and the other pixels
can be used as the image output pixels.
[0151] Since the silicon optoelectronic devices 20 can be used as
light-emitting and/or receiving devices, the image input pixels and
the image output pixels can be switched when needed in an image
input and/or output apparatus according to the present invention in
which the input and output of an image are carried out by different
silicon optoelectronic devices 20 as shown in FIG. 20. The number
of the image input pixels and the image output pixels may also be
altered. Such alteration can be accomplished by appropriately
designing the driving and/or control circuits and algorism of an
image input and/or output apparatus according to the present
invention.
[0152] An image input and/or output apparatus according to the
present invention may also be formed in such a way that the input
and output of an image can be carried out by the same silicon
optoelectronic device with a time difference, as shown in FIGS. 21A
and 21B. FIG. 21A shows an image input state of the silicon
optoelectronic device panel 25 or 40 of an image input and/or
output apparatus according to the present invention and FIG. 21B
shows an image output state of the silicon optoelectronic device
panel 25 or 40 of an image input and/or output apparatus according
to the present invention.
[0153] Each pixel of the silicon optoelectronic device panel 25 or
40 shown in FIGS. 20, 21A, and 21B may correspond to one silicon
optoelectronic device 20 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) or to three or more
silicon optoelectronic devices 20R, 20B, and 20C (see FIG. 19).
[0154] While an image input and/or output apparatus according to
the present invention has been particularly shown and described
with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, various changes
thereof may be made therein without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0155] Since an image input and/or output apparatus according to
the present invention as described above can directly input optical
information in a screen, it can be used in equipment requiring
interactive visual communications and/or bidirectional information
transmission such as computer monitors, televisions, in particular,
digital televisions, and handheld terminals.
[0156] In this case, since an image input and/or output apparatus
according to the present invention allow for input and output of an
image in a single panel, using a separate camera is eliminated upon
visual communications.
[0157] Handheld terminals may be various types of portable
communication equipment such as mobile phones and personal digital
assistants (PDAs).
[0158] Furthermore, an image input and/or output apparatus
according to the present invention can input and output an image in
a single panel, and thus, a full face of an operator can be
photographed and transmitted. Therefore, vividness in visual
communications is enhanced.
[0159] Up until now, the present invention has been described with
a view to an image input and/or output apparatus comprising a
single silicon optoelectronic device panel having a two-dimensional
array of silicon optoelectronic devices, but is not limited
thereto. That is, an image input and/or output apparatus according
to the present invention may comprise combinations of a plurality
of silicon optoelectronic device panels to provide a larger
screen.
[0160] FIG. 22 shows a digital television using an image input
and/or output apparatus according to the present invention.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 22, an image input and/or output apparatus
according to the present invention can be used in a digital
television 50 which allows for input of information into a screen
51 and selection of a menu using an optical wireless remote
controller 55. The optical wireless remote controller 55 can
irradiate light only in a specific region like an optical pointer.
When an optical signal is irradiated onto a specific region within
the screen 51, for example, a predetermined menu 53, from the
optical wireless remote controller 55, a silicon optoelectronic
device, which is positioned in the specific region and serves as a
light-receiving device, receives the optical signal. According to
the received optical signal, changing channels of the digital
television 50 or working on the Internet is possible.
[0162] In addition, an image input and/or output apparatus of the
present invention can be applied in various equipments requiring
bi-directional information transmission.
[0163] As is apparent from the above description, a silicon
optoelectronic device according to the present invention has
superior light-emitting efficiency to a conventional light-emitting
device using silicon, can be used as at least one of a
light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, and has high
wavelength selectivity.
[0164] In addition, a silicon optoelectronic device panel having a
two-dimensional array of silicon optoelectronic devices according
to the present invention can be applied in an image input and/or
output apparatus capable of directly displaying an image and/or
inputting optical information in a screen.
[0165] In particular, since a silicon optoelectronic device
according to the present invention can be used as both of a
light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, an image input
and output apparatus for bidirectional information transmission
that can display an image and input an image or optical information
in a single panel can be produced.
[0166] Using an image input and/or output apparatus according to
the present invention eliminates use of a separate camera upon
visual communication, thereby enhancing vividness in visual
communications. When an image input and/or output apparatus
according to the present invention is used in a digital television,
direct selection of a menu using an optical wireless remote
controller is possible.
[0167] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form and details may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the following claims.
* * * * *