Technology for new generation of image sensors based on quantum tunneling

1. Quantum tunneling
photo-detector array
revolutionary photo sensing technology
Marek T. Michalewicz, PhD
December 2010

2. Current Image Sensing Technology:
CCD and CMOS
~ 30 Mega Pix (best of breed)
New Image Sensing Technology:
Quantum tunneling photodetector arrays (QIST*)
~ 300 TERA Pix at 12” wafer level
*Quantum Image Sensing Technology
10,000 X better

3. Are CCD and CMOS devices
the last word in Image Sensing?
Disrupting the current market ...

4. Status Quo
Existing CMOS and CCDs are reaching their technical limitations based on
current physics - there are problems with heat, leakage and diffraction,
complex manufacturing, limits of minaturisation of pixels, etc
New Image Sensor Opportunity
Quantum tunneling photodetector array technology offers possibility to create
image sensors; with none of the above limitations, with up to 100 TERA Pixels
per individual image sensor, extremely fast, operating under very low power,
from UV to visible to IR spectrum, and resolving colour spectrum.
Creating vast new opportunities

5. Hausken, T. 2009. Image Sensor Market
9.0
CCD
CMOS
Pixel Size (Microns per Side)
6.8
4.5
2.3
Pixel size of QIST = 1/50 microns per side
0
89
90
91
92
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19
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Pixel size is near the limit

6. Quantum Tunneling Photodetector Arrays can offer
2,500 X greater pixel density than CCD and CMOS Image Sensors
offering up to
100 TERA Pixels per individual image sensor
Breaking the limits of old technology

7. Quantum Tunneling Photodetector Arrays offer
• Much faster response time even in 1,000s of frames per second
• Easier fine color gradation such as 16-bit per component
colour, or multiple colour RGBYCMK sensors
• Easy adjustment of spectrum coverage from infrared to X-ray
Great new advantages

8. Quantum Tunneling Photodetector Arrays
will be particularly useful in:
• affordable super hi-res earth, marine and space surveillance
• new generation cameras and vision equipment
• ultra compact solutions for eye replacement in the visually
impaired
• wide use in both civilian and classified devices
Wide applications

9. Current CCD and CMOS Image Sensor Market
$US 8.5 billion
is going to grow to
$US 16 billion in 2015
Huge accessible market

10. CMOS Image sensors market

11. Hausken, T. 2009. Image Sensor Market
Application Outlook
Cameraphones Still the grand prize.
Digital cameras Saturating but still important
Camcorders Some new opportunities in an old application
Webcams Taking off
Stand-alone videophones Always the application of the future
Toys, game consoles Taking off
Optical mice Maturing, but still some new ideas
Scanning appliances A mature and closed community
General outlook: Consumer apps

12. Hausken, T. 2009. Image Sensor Market
Application Outlook
Security cameras Strong growth
Machine vision A fragmented and specialized market
Automotive Strong opportunities but a long development cycle
Barcode scanners A mature niche market
Single-use endoscopy Enabling, but a niche
Digital radiography Good growth for exotic technologies
Scientific Very customized R&D applications
General outlook: Speciality

13. Hausken, T. 2009. Image Sensor Market
1,500
Handsets
Primary cameras
Secondary cameras
1,125
New Handsets (Million)
750
375
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
The killer app: Cameraphones

14. New Image Sensing Technology:
Quantum tunneling photodetector arrays
(QIST*)
*Quantum Image Sensing Technology

15. two cross-grid nanowire arrays
Tunneling Photosensitive Cross-Grid Array

16. top array fabricated on transparent substrate
308: SOFT MATTER SPACER
soft-matter spacer plays critical role
in resonant tunneling assisted tunneling
Tunneling Photosensitive Cross-Grid Array

17. top curve:
100% increase of tunneling current
observed upon incidence of light
Tunneling Photosensitive Cross-Grid Array

18. 1. Sharing the vision of quantum tunneling
photo-detectors revolution
2. Invitation to engage in joint research or
development
3. Seeking R&D, JV, licensing or investments
partners
Motivation

19. Quantum tunneling photodetector array is covered by patents:
• “Quantum Tunneling Photodetector array” PCT/SG
2007/000433
• patent pending USA
• patent pending Japan 2010-539391
• patent pending Europe 07852299.2
• patent pending China 200780101914.5
Well protected IP

20. Dr Marek T. Michalewicz
Telephone: +65 9777 9599
e-mail: marek@quantum-pi.com
Contact information