Fraunhofer: Production process for colour image sensors

Development opportunity

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits (IMS), in Duisburg, Germany, have developed a new production process for CMOS image sensors that will allow the sensors to distinguish colours.

At present such sensors, as used in the cameras of driver assistance systems, only provide monochrome images and have a limited sensitivity to light.

The car of the future is expected to have a number of these systems to help in parking, recognise traffic signs and to warn the driver of blind spot hazards. These incorporate high-tech cameras that have to meet a wide range of requirements, withstanding high ambient temperatures and being small, light and robust. CMOS sensors used for most such in-car systems only operate in black and white.

The IMS researchers have developed a new process for producing CMOS image sensors which enables the chips to see colour. In addition, they have developed microlenses which help the sensor to capture and measure the light more efficiently.

The optimised CMOS process could also be applied to the cameras used for medical imaging in endoscopes.