Image Sensor Technology
Samsung Electronics on March 9 unveiled its newest 12 megapixel (Mp) image sensor for smartphones, which will elevate the quality of mobile phone pictures. The 1.4μm-pixel-based image sensor, already in mass production, is equipped with Dual Pixel technology that has been reserved for DSLR cameras. The technology enables a rapid auto-focus for fast photo shooting while creating a premium image quality on mobile devices even in low light situations.
“With 12 million pixels working as a phase detection auto-focus (PDAF) agent, the new image sensor brings a professional auto-focusing performance to mobile devices,” said Ben K. Hur, vice president of Marketing Division at Samsung’s System LSI Business Unit. “Consumers will be able to capture their daily events and precious moments instantly on a smartphone regardless of lighting conditions.”
Samsung’s new image sensor with Dual Pixel technology employs two photodiodes located on the left and right halve of a pixel each to convert light particles into measurable photocurrent for phase detection, while a conventional image sensor has one photodiode and can dedicate just less than five percent of its pixels. As each and every pixel of the Dual Pixel image sensor is capable of detecting phase differences of perceived light, a significantly-faster auto-focus has become possible. With such groundbreaking improvements, the image sensor ensures clear and sharp images especially for moving objects even in poor lighting conditions.
The image sensor has also adopted Samsung’s ISOCELL technology, which isolates the photodiodes in each pixel with a physical wall to further reduce color cross talk, maximizing the image sensor’s performance.
For top-of-the-line performance while keeping the size to a minimum, the new image sensor is built with cutting-edge chip-stacking technology. The Dual Pixel image sensor stacks a 65 nanometer (nm) sensor and 28nm logic chip together to deliver outstanding photo-taking experiences in today’s sleek smartphones.