JP2011203247A - Optical sensor and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical sensor and an electronic apparatus which can be reduced in size.SOLUTION: The optical sensor includes impurity regions 31 and 32 for a photodiode formed on a semiconductor substrate 10 and angle-limiting filters 41 and 42 for limiting the incident angles of incident lights on a light-receiving region of the photodiode. The angle-limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed of a light-shielding material (light-absorbing material or a light-reflecting material) formed by a semiconductor process on the impurity regions 31 and 32 for the photodiode.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical sensor, an electronic device, and the like.

  In fields such as medicine, agriculture, and the environment, a spectroscopic sensor is used for diagnosing and inspecting an object. For example, in the medical field, a pulse oximeter that measures blood oxygen saturation using light absorption of hemoglobin is used. In the field of agriculture, a sugar content meter that measures the sugar content of fruits using light absorption of sugar is used.

JP-A-6-129908 JP 2006-351800 A

  However, the conventional spectral sensor has a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size. For example, in a spectroscopic sensor that acquires a continuous spectrum, it is necessary to provide a prism or the like for generating a continuous spectrum or to secure an optical path length, so that the apparatus becomes large. For this reason, it becomes difficult to install a large number of sensors or to always install the sensors on the inspection object.

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for limiting the transmission wavelength band of a filter by limiting the incident angle of incident light using an optical fiber. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for sensing light in a plurality of wavelength bands using multilayer filters having different film thicknesses for each sensor.

  According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical sensor, an electronic device, and the like that can be miniaturized.

  One aspect of the present invention includes an impurity region for a photodiode formed on a semiconductor substrate, and an angle limiting filter for limiting an incident angle of incident light with respect to a light receiving region of the photodiode, and the angle The limiting filter is related to an optical sensor formed by a light shielding material formed by a semiconductor process on the impurity region for the photodiode.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, an angle limiting filter is formed of a light shielding material formed by a semiconductor process on an impurity region for a photodiode, and the incident angle of incident light with respect to the light receiving region of the photodiode is formed by the angle limiting filter. Is limited. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the optical sensor.

  In the aspect of the invention, the angle limiting filter may be formed by a wiring layer forming step of another circuit formed on the semiconductor substrate.

  If it does in this way, an angle limiting filter can be formed by a semiconductor process by forming by the wiring layer formation process of other circuits formed on a semiconductor substrate.

  In the aspect of the invention, the angle limiting filter may be formed by a conductive plug of a contact hole formed in an insulating film stacked on the semiconductor substrate.

  In this way, the angle limiting filter can be formed by the conductive plug of the contact hole opened in the insulating film laminated on the semiconductor substrate.

  In the aspect of the invention, the angle limiting filter may be an electrode that is formed by a conductive layer or a conductive plug formed by the semiconductor process and acquires a signal from the impurity region for the photodiode. Good.

  In this way, the angle limiting filter can also be used as an electrode for acquiring a signal from the impurity region for the photodiode.

  In the aspect of the invention, the angle limiting filter may be formed along an outer periphery of a light receiving region of the photodiode in a plan view with respect to the semiconductor substrate.

  In this way, the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the light receiving region of the photodiode can be limited by forming the angle limiting filter along the outer periphery of the light receiving region of the photodiode in plan view with respect to the semiconductor substrate.

  In the aspect of the invention, the angle limiting filter may have a plurality of openings formed on the impurity region for the photodiode, and the plurality of openings may be formed on an outer periphery of the light receiving region of the photodiode. The incident angle of incident light with respect to the light receiving region may be limited.

  In this way, the angle limiting filter has a plurality of openings formed along the outer periphery of the light receiving region of the photodiode, so that the incident angle of the incident light with respect to the light receiving region of the photodiode can be limited.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an optical bandpass filter that transmits light having a specific wavelength of the incident light may be included.

  If it does in this way, the light of the specific wavelength of incident light can be entered in the light reception area | region of an angle limiting filter and a photodiode.

  In the aspect of the invention, the optical bandpass filter may be formed of a multilayer thin film that is inclined with respect to the semiconductor substrate at an angle corresponding to a transmission wavelength.

  In this way, an optical bandpass filter can be formed by a multilayer thin film inclined at an angle corresponding to the transmission wavelength with respect to the semiconductor substrate.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the tilt structure includes an inclined structure provided on the angle limiting filter, and the tilt structure has an angle corresponding to the transmission wavelength of the optical bandpass filter with respect to the semiconductor substrate. The multilayer thin film may be formed on the inclined surface.

  In this way, the multilayer thin film is formed on the inclined structure having the inclined surface inclined at an angle corresponding to the transmission wavelength of the optical bandpass filter with respect to the semiconductor substrate, so that the semiconductor substrate corresponds to the transmission wavelength. A multilayer thin film inclined at an angle can be formed.

  In the aspect of the invention, the inclined structure may be formed on the angle limiting filter by a semiconductor process.

  In this way, the inclined structure can be formed on the angle limiting filter by a semiconductor process.

  In the aspect of the invention, the inclined structure may have a step or a dense pattern formed on the transparent film stacked by the semiconductor process, and at least one of polishing and etching is performed on the step or the dense pattern. It may be formed.

  In this way, the inclined structure can be formed on the angle limiting filter by a semiconductor process by performing at least one of polishing and etching on the transparent film on which the step or the dense pattern is formed.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical bandpass filter is formed of a plurality of sets of multilayer thin films having different transmission wavelengths, and the plurality of sets of multilayer thin films have an inclination angle with respect to the semiconductor substrate depending on the transmission wavelengths. The thin film may be formed at the same time.

  In this way, the optical bandpass filter can be formed by a plurality of sets of multilayer thin films having different inclination angles with respect to the transmission wavelength in accordance with the transmission wavelength, and the plurality of sets of multilayer thin films can be formed in the same thin film forming process.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the impurity region for the photodiode is divided into a plurality of regions by an insulator having a trench structure, and the optical bandpass filter is formed by a plurality of bandpass filters having different transmission wavelengths. Each bandpass filter of the plurality of bandpass filters may be provided corresponding to one or a plurality of regions partitioned by the insulator having the trench structure.

  In this way, each bandpass filter of the plurality of bandpass filters can be provided corresponding to one or a plurality of regions separated by the insulator having the trench structure.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a processing circuit that processes an output signal of the photodiode may be included, and the processing circuit may be formed by a semiconductor process that forms the angle limiting filter.

  In this way, a processing circuit that processes the output signal of the photodiode can be formed by a semiconductor process that forms an angle limiting filter.

  In the aspect of the invention, the light blocking material forming the angle limiting filter may be a light absorbing material or a light reflecting material.

  In this way, the light shielding material forming the angle limiting filter can be formed of a light absorbing material or a light reflecting material.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor may be a spectroscopic sensor for splitting incident light.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor may be an illuminance sensor for measuring the illuminance of incident light.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical sensor may be an elevation sensor for measuring the elevation angle of the light source.

  Another aspect of the invention relates to an electronic device including the optical sensor described in any of the above.

The structural example of the spectroscopic sensor of this embodiment. The structural example of the spectroscopic sensor of this embodiment. The 1st modification of a spectroscopic sensor. The 2nd modification of a spectroscopic sensor. 3rd modification of a spectroscopic sensor. The 4th modification of a spectroscopic sensor. FIGS. 7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams of the transmission wavelength band of the optical bandpass filter. An example of a method for manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor. An example of a method for manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor. An example of a method for manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor. An example of a method for manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor. An example of a method for manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor. An example of a method for manufacturing a spectroscopic sensor. The manufacturing method example of the spectroscopic sensor of a 1st modification. The manufacturing method example of the spectroscopic sensor of a 1st modification. The manufacturing method example of the spectroscopic sensor of a 1st modification. Configuration example of an electronic device.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims, and all the configurations described in the present embodiment are indispensable as means for solving the present invention. Not necessarily. Hereinafter, a case where the optical sensor is a spectroscopic sensor will be described as an example. However, as will be described later, the optical sensor of the present embodiment is not limited to the spectroscopic sensor.

1. Configuration Example As described above, there is a demand for a compact spectroscopic sensor that can be always mounted in the medical and health fields, and there is a problem that the spectroscopic sensor needs to be miniaturized. For example, when the wavelength to be measured is known, a sensor that measures only the known wavelength without acquiring a continuous spectrum may be provided.

  However, there is a problem of improving the wavelength selectivity of the spectroscopic sensor. For example, if an angle limiting filter or a multilayer filter that determines the transmission wavelength band is formed of a member, the light is diffused and attenuated on the bonding surface of the member, so that the wavelength selectivity is lowered.

  For example, Patent Document 1 described above discloses a technique for limiting the transmission wavelength band of a filter by limiting the incident angle of incident light using an optical fiber. However, in this method, if the numerical aperture of the optical fiber is reduced in order to narrow the band, the transmittance of incident light is lowered and the wavelength selectivity is lowered.

  There is also a problem of simplifying the manufacturing process of the spectroscopic sensor. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique using a multilayer filter having a different film thickness for each sensor. However, this method requires a separate multilayer film forming process for each film thickness, and thus the multilayer film forming process becomes complicated.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the angle sensor filter and the multilayer filter are formed by a semiconductor process, thereby realizing a reduction in size of the spectroscopic sensor by a simple manufacturing process.

  A configuration example of the spectroscopic sensor (optical sensor in a broad sense) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the configuration of the spectroscopic sensor of the present embodiment is schematically illustrated, and the dimensions and ratios in the drawing are different from the actual ones.

  FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a semiconductor substrate 10 on which a spectroscopic sensor is formed. FIG. 1 is a plan view seen from the surface side on which the circuit 20 and the angle limiting filter 41 are formed in a plan view seen from a direction perpendicular to the plane of the semiconductor substrate 10. As will be described later, a multilayer filter is formed on the angle limiting filters 41 and 42, but the illustration is omitted in FIG. 1 for simplicity.

  The spectroscopic sensor shown in FIG. 1 includes a semiconductor substrate 10, a circuit 20, a first photodiode 31 (in a broad sense, a first photosensor and an impurity region for the first photodiode), a second photodiode 32 ( In a broad sense, it includes a second photosensor, an impurity region for the second photodiode, a first angle limiting filter 41, and a second angle limiting filter.

  The semiconductor substrate 10 is composed of, for example, a P-type or N-type silicon substrate (silicon wafer). On the semiconductor substrate 10, a circuit 20, photodiodes 31, 32, and angle limiting filters 41, 42 are formed by a semiconductor process. Here, the top of the semiconductor substrate 10 represents the direction on the side where the circuit 20, the angle limiting filter 41, etc. are formed, among the directions perpendicular to the plane of the semiconductor substrate 10.

  The angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed, for example, in a lattice shape in a plan view, and limit the incident angle of incident light with respect to the photodiodes 31 and 32. The circuit 20 includes an amplifier that processes output signals from the photodiodes 31 and 32, an A / D conversion circuit, and the like, for example.

  The spectroscopic sensor of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and various modifications such as omitting some of the components (circuit 20) or adding other components are possible. It is. For example, the number of photodiodes and angle limiting filters may be two as described above, or one or more may be formed. Further, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 may have a lattice shape in a plan view as described above, or may have another shape.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the spectroscopic sensor. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2 includes a semiconductor substrate 10, photodiodes 31, 32, angle limiting filters 41, 42, an inclined structure 50 (angle structure), a first optical bandpass filter 61 (first multilayer filter). , First dielectric filter) and second optical bandpass filter 62 (second multilayer filter, second dielectric filter).

  As shown in FIG. 2, photodiodes 31 and 32 are formed on the semiconductor substrate 10. As will be described later, the photodiodes 31 and 32 are formed by forming impurity regions by ion implantation or the like. For example, the photodiodes 31 and 32 are realized by a PN junction between an N-type impurity region formed on the P substrate and the P substrate. Alternatively, it is realized by a PN junction between a P-type impurity region formed on a deep N well (N-type impurity region) and the deep N well.

The angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed of a light shielding material (for example, a light absorbing material or a light reflecting material) that has a light shielding property with respect to the wavelength detected by the photodiodes 31 and 32. Specifically, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed by a wiring formation process of a semiconductor process. For example, a conductive layer such as an aluminum (light reflecting material in a broad sense) wiring layer and a tungsten (light absorbing material in a broad sense) plug. Formed by a conductive plug. The aspect ratio of the length (for example, the longest diagonal line of the bottom surface or the longest diameter of the bottom surface) and the height of the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 and the height aspect ratio will be described later with reference to the transmission wavelength band of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 (for example, FIG. 7B). BW1, BW2). The openings (hollow portions) of the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed of a material transparent to the wavelength detected by the photodiodes 31 and 32, and are formed of an insulating layer such as SiO ₂ (silicon oxide film), for example. (Filled).

The inclined structure 50 is formed on the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 and has inclined surfaces having different inclination angles depending on the transmission wavelengths of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62. Specifically, a plurality of inclined surfaces with an inclination angle θ1 with respect to the plane of the semiconductor substrate 10 are formed on the photodiode 31, and a plurality of inclined surfaces with an inclination angle θ2 different from θ1 are formed on the photodiode 32. It is formed. As will be described later, the inclined structure 50 is formed by processing an insulating film such as SiO ₂ by etching or CMP, a gray scale lithography technique, or the like.

  The optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 are formed by the multilayer thin film 60 laminated on the inclined structure 50. The transmission wavelength bands of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 are determined by the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 of the inclined structure 50 and the incident light limiting angle (aspect ratio) of the angle limiting filters 41 and 42. Since the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 have different transmission wavelengths depending on the tilt angle, they are not laminated in separate processes for each transmission wavelength, but are laminated in the same multilayer film forming process.

  Although the case where the optical sensor of the present embodiment is a spectroscopic sensor has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the optical sensor of the present embodiment may be an illuminance sensor or an elevation angle sensor.

  The illuminance sensor is an optical sensor that measures the illuminance (lux or lumen / square meter) of natural light or illumination light. In the present embodiment, since the incident angle is limited by the angle limiting filter, the incident direction of the incident light to be measured can be limited.

  The elevation sensor is an optical sensor that measures an elevation angle, which is an angle formed between the direction of the sun or illumination light source and a reference plane. The reference plane is a horizontal plane, for example. In this embodiment, since the incident angle is limited by the angle limiting filter, the elevation angle can be measured.

  As described above, the conventional spectroscopic sensor has problems of improving the wavelength selectivity of the spectroscopic sensor and simplifying the manufacturing process.

  In this respect, the optical sensor of the present embodiment limits the incident angle of incident light with respect to the impurity regions 31 and 32 for the photodiode formed on the semiconductor substrate 10 and the light receiving region (light receiving surface) of the photodiode. Angle limiting filters 41 and 42. The angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed of a light shielding material (light absorbing material or light reflecting material) formed by a semiconductor process on the impurity regions 31 and 32 for the photodiode.

  In this way, since each component of the optical sensor can be configured by a semiconductor process, the optical sensor can be downsized. That is, by forming the photodiodes 31 and 32 and the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 by a semiconductor process, it is possible to easily perform microfabrication and reduce the size. In addition, when combined with an optical bandpass filter, the transmission wavelength selectivity can be improved as compared with an optical sensor in which an angle limiting filter or the like is configured as a separate member and the separate member is bonded to a photodiode. Moreover, compared with the case where an optical fiber is used as the angle limiting filter, the decrease in transmitted light due to the decrease in the limiting angle (numerical aperture) can be suppressed, and the wavelength selectivity can be improved.

  Here, the semiconductor process is a process for forming a transistor, a resistance element, a capacitor, an insulating layer, a wiring layer, or the like on a semiconductor substrate. For example, the semiconductor process is a process including an impurity introduction process, a thin film formation process, a photolithography process, an etching process, a planarization process, and a heat treatment process.

  The light receiving region of the photodiode is a region on the impurity regions 31 and 32 for the photodiode where the incident light that has passed through the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 is incident. For example, in FIG. 1, it is an area | region corresponding to each opening of the grid | lattice-like angle limiting filters 41 and 42. FIG. Or in FIG. 2, it is the area | region (for example, area | region LRA) enclosed by the light-shielding substance (light absorption substance or light reflection substance) which forms the angle limiting filters 41 and 42. FIG.

In the present embodiment, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed by a wiring layer forming process of another circuit 20 formed on the semiconductor substrate 10. Specifically, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed simultaneously with the formation of the wiring layer of the circuit 20, and are formed by all or part of the wiring layer forming process. For example, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed by forming an aluminum (light reflecting material) wiring layer by aluminum sputtering, forming an insulating film by SiO ₂ deposition, or forming a contact by tungsten (light absorbing material) deposition.

  In this way, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 can be formed on the photodiode impurity regions 31 and 32 by a semiconductor process. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a separate process for forming the angle limiting filter, and the angle limiting filter can be formed using a normal semiconductor process.

  The angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are not limited to an aluminum (light reflecting material) wiring layer and a tungsten (light absorbing material) contact, but are a wiring layer made of a light absorbing material such as tungsten and a contact made of a light reflecting material such as aluminum. May be formed. However, the light shielding property increases as the light absorbing material is formed.

  In addition, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are not limited to the aluminum (light reflecting material) wiring layer and the tungsten (light absorbing material) contact, but the aluminum (light reflecting material) with a film such as titanium nitride (TiN) which is a light absorbing material. ) A wiring layer or a tungsten (light absorbing material) contact may be formed. The aluminum (light reflecting material) wiring layer is changed to light absorption, and titanium nitride (TiN) has higher light absorption than tungsten, so that the light absorption of the contact also increases, so that the light shielding property can be further improved.

In the present embodiment, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 may be formed by conductive plugs of contact holes opened in an insulating film stacked on the semiconductor substrate 10. That is, it may be formed only by a conductive plug such as a tungsten plug formed on an insulating film such as SiO ₂ without using a metal wiring layer such as an aluminum (light reflecting material) wiring. The angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are not limited to tungsten (light absorbing material) plugs, and may be formed of other conductive plugs such as aluminum and polysilicon.

  In this way, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 can be formed of conductive plugs.

  Here, the contact hole is a contact hole that is opened for a contact that connects the wiring layer and the semiconductor substrate, or a contact hole that is opened for a via contact that connects the wiring layer and the wiring layer.

  In the present embodiment, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed of a conductive layer (for example, a metal layer) or a conductive plug (for example, a metal plug) formed by a semiconductor process, and are impurity regions for the photodiodes 31 and 32. The electrode which acquires the signal from may be sufficient. For example, when the impurity regions for the photodiodes 31 and 32 are P-type impurity regions, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 that conduct to the P-type impurity regions may also serve as the anode electrodes of the photodiodes 31 and 32.

  In this way, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 formed by the conductive layer or the conductive plug can be used as the electrodes of the photodiodes 31 and 32. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an electrode other than the angle limiting filters 41 and 42, and a decrease in the amount of incident light due to the electrode can be avoided.

  In the present embodiment, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed along the outer periphery of the light receiving region of the photodiodes 31 and 32 in a plan view with respect to the semiconductor substrate 10. Specifically, each of the impurity regions for the photodiodes 31 and 32 is one light receiving region, and one angle limiting filter is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of the impurity region. Alternatively, a plurality of light receiving regions may be set in the impurity regions for the photodiodes 31 and 32, and a plurality of openings may be formed along the outer periphery of the plurality of light receiving regions. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, square light-shielding substances (light-absorbing substances or light-reflecting substances) surround each light receiving region in plan view, and the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed by arranging the squares in a grid pattern. Is done.

  In addition, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are not limited to being closed along the outer periphery of the light receiving region, but may have discontinuous portions along the outer periphery or may be intermittently disposed along the outer periphery. Also good.

  In this way, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed along the outer periphery of each light receiving region of the photodiodes 31 and 32, so that the incident angle of the incident light with respect to each light receiving region of the photodiodes 31 and 32 can be reduced. Can be limited.

  In addition, the optical sensor of the present embodiment includes optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 that transmit light of a specific wavelength of incident light.

  In this way, light having a specific wavelength of incident light can be incident on the impurity regions for the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 and the photodiodes 31 and 32. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 7A and the like, the transmission wavelengths of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 vary depending on the incident angle, but the transmission wavelength band can be limited by the angle limiting filters 41 and 42.

  In the present embodiment, the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 are formed of multilayer thin films that are inclined with respect to the semiconductor substrate 10 at angles θ1 and θ2 according to the transmission wavelength. More specifically, the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 are formed of a plurality of sets of multilayer thin films having different transmission wavelengths. The plurality of sets of multilayer thin films are formed in the same thin film forming process because the inclination angles θ1 and θ2 with respect to the semiconductor substrate 10 differ according to the transmission wavelength. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a set of multilayer thin films is formed by continuously arranging a plurality of multilayer thin films having an inclination angle θ1. Alternatively, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, when the multilayer thin films having different inclination angles θ1 to θ3 are arranged adjacent to each other and the multilayer thin films having the inclination angles θ1 to θ3 are repeatedly arranged, the same inclination angle (for example, θ1). A plurality of multilayer thin films may form a set of multilayer thin films.

  In this way, the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 can be formed by the multilayer thin film inclined at the angles θ1 and θ2 corresponding to the transmission wavelength. This eliminates the need for laminating a multilayer thin film having a film thickness corresponding to the transmission wavelength in a separate process for each transmission wavelength, thereby simplifying the multilayer thin film formation process.

  Here, the simultaneous thin film forming process is not a process of sequentially repeating the same process of forming the second set of multilayer thin films after forming the first set of multilayer thin films, but the plurality of sets of multilayer thin films are the same (simultaneously, It means forming in a thin film forming step.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the inclination structure 50 provided on the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 is included. The inclined structure 50 has an inclined surface inclined at angles θ1 and θ2 corresponding to the transmission wavelengths of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 with respect to the semiconductor substrate 10, and the multilayer thin film is on the inclined surface. It is formed.

  In this way, by forming a multilayer thin film on the inclined surface of the inclined structure 50, it is possible to form a multilayer thin film inclined at angles θ1 and θ2 corresponding to the transmission wavelengths of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the inclined structure 50 is formed on the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 by a semiconductor process. For example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 and the like, in the inclined structure 50, a step or a dense pattern is formed in a transparent film (insulating film) laminated by a semiconductor process, and the step or the dense pattern is polished (for example, CMP). And at least one of etching is performed.

  In this way, the inclined structure can be formed by a semiconductor process. Thereby, the formation process of an inclination structure can be simplified. Moreover, cost can be reduced compared with the case where an inclination structure is comprised by another member. Moreover, the light quantity reduction | decrease in an adhesion surface with the inclination structure of another member can be avoided.

  Here, the level difference of the insulating film is, for example, a difference in height of the surface of the insulating film from the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the cross section of the semiconductor substrate. In addition, the insulating film density pattern is, for example, a height pattern on the surface of the insulating film from the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the cross section of the semiconductor substrate, and the density of the insulating film is formed by the ratio of the high part to the low part.

  Note that the inclined structure 50 is not limited to being formed by polishing or etching a step or a dense pattern, but may be formed by a gray scale lithography technique. In the gray scale lithography technique, a resist is exposed using a gray scale mask having light and shade, and etched using the exposed resist to form an inclined structure.

  In addition, the present embodiment includes a processing circuit (for example, included in the circuit 20 of FIG. 1) that processes the output signals of the photodiodes 31 and 32. The processing circuit is formed by a semiconductor process for forming the angle limiting filters 41 and 42.

  In this way, a processing circuit for processing the output signals of the photodiodes 31 and 32 can be integrated on the same chip as the photodiodes 31 and 32. As a result, the optical sensor can be further reduced in size.

2. First Modified Example In the above-described embodiment, the configuration example in which the inclined structure 50 is formed by a semiconductor process has been described. However, in the present embodiment, various modified implementations are possible.

  FIG. 3 shows a first modification in which the inclined structure 50 is formed by another member and bonded together. The spectroscopic sensor shown in FIG. 3 includes a semiconductor substrate 10, photodiodes 31 and 32, angle limiting filters 41 and 42, an inclined structure 50, optical bandpass filters 61 and 62, an insulating layer 70, and an adhesive layer 80. In the following, the components described above with reference to FIG.

  In the first modification, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed by a semiconductor process in the same manner as the above-described configuration example. An insulating layer 70 (or a passivation layer) is stacked on the angle limiting filters 41 and 42. The insulating layer 70 is not necessarily an insulating film, and may be a transparent film that transmits a wavelength to be sensed. The inclined structure 50 is configured by another member such as a low-melting glass, and an inclined surface and a multilayer thin film are formed. The inclined structure 50 and the insulating layer 70 are pasted with a transparent adhesive that transmits the sensing wavelength.

3. Second Modified Example FIG. 4 shows a second modified example in which a multilayer thin film parallel to the semiconductor substrate 10 is formed without using the inclined structure 50. The spectroscopic sensor shown in FIG. 4 includes a semiconductor substrate 10, photodiodes 31 and 32, angle limiting filters 41 and 42, optical bandpass filters 61 and 62, and an insulating layer 70.

  In the second modification, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 are formed by a semiconductor process in the same manner as the above-described configuration example, and the insulating layer 70 is laminated on the angle limiting filters 41 and 42. Then, a multilayer thin film of optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 is formed on the insulating layer 70. The multilayer thin film has a different film thickness depending on the transmission wavelength of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62, and is laminated by separate forming steps. That is, when one of the optical bandpass filters 61 and 62 is formed, the other is covered with a photoresist or the like, and a multilayer film is laminated to form multilayer thin films having different thicknesses.

4). Third Modification FIG. 5 shows a third modification in which the impurity region for the photodiode is divided by a trench. The spectroscopic sensor shown in FIG. 5 includes a semiconductor substrate 10, photodiodes 31 and 32, angle limiting filters 41 and 42, an inclined structure 50, optical bandpass filters 61 to 63, and an insulating layer 70. Since the photodiode 32 is the same as the photodiode 31, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  In the third modification, the impurity region of the photodiode 31 is divided by the trench 90, and the photodiodes 31-1 to 31-3 are formed. The trench 90 is formed by an insulator trench structure such as STI (Shallow Trench Isolation). The inclined structure 50 is formed with inclined surfaces having inclination angles θ1 to θ3, and the inclined surfaces correspond to the photodiodes 31-1 to 31-3, respectively. Then, optical bandpass filters 61 to 63 having different inclination angles are formed on the photodiodes 31-1 to 31-3, respectively.

  In FIG. 5, one optical bandpass filter is provided on one photodiode (one region) partitioned by a trench structure. However, in this embodiment, one optical bandpass filter has a trench structure. It may be provided on a plurality of photodiodes (a plurality of regions) separated by.

5. Fourth Modification FIG. 6 shows a fourth modification in which the amount of incident light is increased by a micro lens array (MLA). The spectroscopic sensor shown in FIG. 6 includes a semiconductor substrate 10, photodiodes 31 and 32, angle limiting filters 41 and 42, an inclined structure 50, optical bandpass filters 61 and 62, an insulating layer 70, and a microlens array 95. Since the photodiode 32 is the same as the photodiode 31, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

In the fourth modification, a microlens is formed in each opening of the angle limiting filter 41, and a microlens array 95 is configured by the plurality of microlenses. The microlens array 95 is formed, for example, by forming a pattern by photolithography after forming the angle limiting filter 41, etching the SiO ₂ film, and depositing a material having a higher refractive index than SiO ₂ .

6). As described above, the transmission wavelength band of the optical bandpass filter is set by the tilt angle of the multilayer thin film and the limiting angle of the angle limiting filter. This point will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In order to simplify the description, a case where the film thicknesses of the multilayer thin films 61 and 62 are the same will be described below as an example. However, in this embodiment, the film thicknesses of the multilayer thin films 61 and 62 are set to the inclination angles θ1 and θ2. It may be different depending on the situation. For example, when the thin film is grown in the direction perpendicular to the semiconductor substrate in the thin film deposition, the film thicknesses of the multilayer thin films 61 and 62 may be proportional to cos θ1 and cos θ2.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the multilayer thin films 61 and 62 are formed of thin films having thicknesses d1 to d3 (d2 <d1, d3 <d1). A plurality of thin films having thicknesses d2 and d3 are alternately stacked above and below the thin film having thickness d1. The thin film having the thickness d2 is formed of a material having a refractive index different from those of the thin films having the thicknesses d1 and d3. Note that in FIG. 7A, the number of thin films having thicknesses d2 and d3 is omitted for simplicity, but in reality, several tens to several hundreds of thin films are formed above and below the thin film having thickness d1. Are stacked. In FIG. 7A, for the sake of simplicity, the thin film having a thickness d1 is made one layer, but in reality, a plurality of layers are often formed.

  Since the multilayer thin film 61 has an inclination angle θ1 with respect to the light receiving surface of the photodiode 31, light rays perpendicular to the light receiving surface enter the multilayer thin film 61 at an angle θ1. Then, if the limiting angle of the angle limiting filter 41 is Δθ, light rays incident on the multilayer thin film 61 at θ1−Δθ to θ1 + Δθ reach the light receiving surface of the photodiode 31. Similarly, light incident on the multilayer thin film 62 at θ2−Δθ to θ2 + Δθ reaches the light receiving surface of the photodiode 32.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the transmission wavelength band BW1 of the multilayer thin film 61 is λ1−Δλ to λ1 + Δλ. At this time, the transmission wavelength λ1 = 2 × n × d1 × cos θ1 with respect to the light beam having the incident angle θ1. Here, n is the refractive index of the thin film having the thickness d1. Further, λ1−Δλ = 2 × n × d1 × cos (θ1 + Δθ) and λ1 + Δλ = 2 × n × d1 × cos (θ1−Δθ). The full width at half maximum HW (for example, HW <BW1) of the transmission wavelength with respect to the light beam having the incident angle θ1 is determined by the number of stacked multilayer films. The amount of light received by the photodiode 31 is maximum at an incident angle θ1 perpendicular to the light receiving surface, and is zero at the limit angle. Therefore, the amount of light received by the entire incident light is represented by a curve indicated by a dotted line. Similarly, the transmission wavelength band BW2 of the multilayer thin film 62 is λ2−Δλ to λ2 + Δλ. For example, if θ2 <θ1, λ2 = 2 × n × d1 × cos θ2 <λ1 = 2 × n × d1 × cos θ1.

  According to the above embodiment, the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 limit the incident angle of incident light to θ1−Δθ to θ1 + Δθ and θ2−Δθ to θ2 + Δθ, and change the transmission wavelength change range from λ1−Δλ to λ1 + Δλ, λ2. It is limited to -Δλ to λ2 + Δλ. In the optical band-pass filter, bands BW1 and BW2 of specific wavelengths to be transmitted are set by the transmission wavelength change ranges λ1−Δλ to λ1 + Δλ and λ2−Δλ to λ2 + Δλ limited by the angle limiting filters 41 and 42.

  In this way, the transmission wavelength bands BW1 and BW2 of the optical bandpass filter are limited by the angle limiting filters 41 and 42, and only the light in the wavelength band to be measured can be sensed. For example, the limiting angle of the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 is set to Δθ ≦ 30 °. Desirably, the limiting angle of the angle limiting filters 41 and 42 is Δθ ≦ 20 °.

7). Manufacturing Method An example of a manufacturing method of the spectroscopic sensor of the present embodiment when the inclined structure is formed by a semiconductor process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, as shown in S1 of FIG. 8, an N-type diffusion layer (an impurity region of a photodiode) is formed on a P-type substrate by photolithography, ion implantation, and photoresist stripping processes. As shown in S2, a P-type diffusion layer is formed on the P-type substrate by photolithography, ion implantation, photoresist stripping, and heat treatment. This N type diffusion layer becomes the cathode of the photodiode, and the P type diffusion layer (P type substrate) becomes the anode.

Next, as shown in S3 of FIG. 9, an insulating film is formed by SiO ₂ deposition and planarization by CMP. As shown in S4, photolithography, anisotropic dry etching of SiO _2, by a process of photoresist stripping, contact holes are formed. As shown in S5, the contact hole is filled by TiN sputtering, W (tungsten) deposition, and W etchback. As shown in S6, the first AL wiring is formed by the steps of AL (aluminum) sputtering, TiN sputtering, photolithography, AL and TiN anisotropic dry etching, and photoresist stripping.

Next, as shown in S <b> 7 of FIG. 10, via contacts and second AL wiring are formed by the same processes as S <b> 3 to S <b> 6. Repeat step S7 as many times as necessary. FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the third AL wiring is formed. As shown in S8, an insulating film is formed by SiO ₂ deposition (shown by dotted lines) and planarization by CMP. Through the above wiring formation process, the AL wiring and the tungsten plug constituting the angle limiting filter are laminated.

Next, as shown in S9 in FIG. 11, deposition of SiO _2, photolithography, anisotropic dry etching of SiO _2, by a process of photoresist stripping, the step of the insulating layer (S9 ') or density pattern (S9 " ).

  Next, as shown in S10 of FIG. 12, the inclined surface of the inclined structure is formed by a polishing process using CMP. At this time, the inclined surface of the inclined structure is processed at an inclination angle corresponding to the step of the insulating film and the shape of the dense pattern.

Next, as shown in S11 of FIG. 13, sputtering of TiO ₂ (titanium oxide film) and sputtering of SiO ₂ are performed alternately to form a multilayer thin film on the inclined surface. The TiO ₂ film is a high refractive index thin film, and the SiO ₂ film is a low refractive index thin film.

8). Manufacturing Method of First Modification Example An example of a manufacturing method of the first modification example in which the inclined structure body is formed from another member will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

  First, as shown in S101 of FIG. 14, a low melting glass heated and melted is poured into a mold, and as shown in S102, the low melting glass is press-molded with a mold having an inclined surface to form an inclined structure. Form the body.

Next, as shown in S103 of FIG. 15, sputtering of TiO ₂ and sputtering of SiO ₂ are performed alternately to form a multilayer thin film on the inclined structure of the low melting point glass.

  Next, as shown in S104 of FIG. 16, the inclined structure on which the multilayer thin film is formed is adhered to the insulating layer of the angle limiting filter with an adhesive (an adhesive that is transparent with respect to the spectral target wavelength). The photodiode and the angle limiting filter are formed by the steps S1 to S8 described above with reference to FIGS.

9. Electronic Device FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of an electronic device including the spectroscopic sensor of this embodiment. For example, a pulse meter, a pulse oximeter, a blood glucose level measuring device, a fruit sugar meter, and the like are assumed as electronic devices.

  The electronic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a spectroscopic sensor device 900, a microcomputer 970 (CPU), a storage device 980, and a display device 990. The spectroscopic sensor device 900 includes an LED 950 (light source), an LED driver 960, and a spectroscopic sensor 910. The spectroscopic sensor 910 is integrated in, for example, a one-chip IC, and includes a photodiode 920, a detection circuit 930, and an A / D conversion circuit 940.

  The LED 950 irradiates the observation target with, for example, white light. The spectroscopic sensor device 900 separates reflected light and transmitted light from the observation target and acquires signals of each wavelength. The microcomputer 970 controls the LED driver 960 and acquires a signal from the spectroscopic sensor 910. The microcomputer 970 displays a display based on the acquired signal on a display device 990 (for example, a liquid crystal display device), and stores data based on the acquired signal in a storage device 980 (for example, a memory or a magnetic disk).

  Although the present embodiment has been described in detail as described above, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made without departing from the novel matters and effects of the present invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the specification or drawings, terms (photodiodes, optical bandpass filters, silicon substrates, etc.) described at least once together with different terms (photosensors, thin film filters, semiconductor substrates, etc.) having a broader meaning or the same meaning are used in the specification. The different terms can be used anywhere in the book or drawing. Further, the configuration and operation of the spectroscopic sensor, spectroscopic sensor device, electronic device, and the like are not limited to those described in this embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

10 semiconductor substrate, 20 circuit, 31, 32 photodiode,
41, 42 Angle limiting filter, 50 inclined structure, 60 multilayer thin film,
61, 62 Optical band pass filter, 70 insulating layer, 80 adhesive layer,
90 trench, 95 micro lens array,
900 spectroscopic sensor device, 910 spectroscopic sensor, 920 photodiode,
930 detection circuit, 940 A / D conversion circuit, 950 LED,
960 LED driver, 970 microcomputer, 980 storage device,
990 display device,
BW1, BW2 transmission wavelength band, LRA light receiving region, θ1, θ2 tilt angle,
λ1, λ2 transmission wavelength

Claims (19)

An impurity region for a photodiode formed on a semiconductor substrate;
An angle limiting filter for limiting an incident angle of incident light with respect to a light receiving region of the photodiode;
Including
The angle limiting filter is
An optical sensor formed of a light shielding material formed by a semiconductor process on an impurity region for the photodiode. In claim 1,
The angle limiting filter is
An optical sensor formed by a wiring layer forming step of another circuit formed on the semiconductor substrate. In claim 1 or 2,
The angle limiting filter is
An optical sensor comprising a conductive plug of a contact hole formed in an insulating film stacked on the semiconductor substrate. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The angle limiting filter is
An optical sensor formed by a conductive layer or a conductive plug formed by the semiconductor process and being an electrode for acquiring a signal from the impurity region for the photodiode. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The angle limiting filter is
An optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor is formed along an outer periphery of a light receiving region of the photodiode in a plan view with respect to the semiconductor substrate. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The angle limiting filter is
A plurality of openings formed on the impurity region for the photodiode;
The plurality of openings are
An optical sensor formed along an outer periphery of a light receiving region of the photodiode, and limiting an incident angle of incident light with respect to the light receiving region. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.
An optical sensor comprising an optical bandpass filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength of the incident light. In claim 7,
The optical bandpass filter is
An optical sensor formed of a multilayer thin film that is inclined with respect to the semiconductor substrate at an angle corresponding to a transmission wavelength. In claim 8,
The optical bandpass filter is
Formed by multiple sets of multilayer thin films with different transmission wavelengths,
The plurality of sets of multilayer thin films are:
An optical sensor characterized in that an inclination angle with respect to the semiconductor substrate differs according to a transmission wavelength and is formed by a simultaneous thin film forming process. In claim 8,
The impurity region for the photodiode is
Divided into multiple regions by a trench structure insulator,
The optical bandpass filter is
Formed by multiple bandpass filters with different transmission wavelengths,
Each bandpass filter of the plurality of bandpass filters is
An optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor is provided corresponding to one or a plurality of regions separated by an insulator having the trench structure. In claim 8,
Including an inclined structure provided on the angle limiting filter;
The inclined structure is
With respect to the semiconductor substrate, having an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle according to the transmission wavelength of the optical bandpass filter,
The multilayer thin film is
An optical sensor formed on the inclined surface. In claim 11,
The inclined structure is
An optical sensor formed by a semiconductor process on the angle limiting filter. In claim 12,
The inclined structure is
An optical sensor characterized in that a step or a dense pattern is formed on the transparent film laminated by the semiconductor process, and at least one of polishing and etching is performed on the step or the dense pattern. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 13.
A processing circuit for processing an output signal of the photodiode;
The processing circuit includes:
An optical sensor formed by a semiconductor process for forming the angle limiting filter. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14.
The light blocking material forming the angle limiting filter is:
An optical sensor which is a light absorbing material or a light reflecting material. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
An optical sensor characterized by being a spectroscopic sensor for splitting incident light. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
An optical sensor which is an illuminance sensor for measuring the illuminance of incident light. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 15,
An optical sensor which is an elevation sensor for measuring an elevation angle of a light source.   An electronic apparatus comprising the optical sensor according to claim 1.

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