Metasurface color splitters for highly efficient image sensors

Image sensors are considered the backbone of an imaging system, which perform the operations to detect and convey the information for the formation of an image. Conventional image sensors employ color filters (Bayer-filter) to retrieve color information (RGB pixel) of the incident scene. These absorption filters discard a major portion (≈50-70%) of the incoming light, resulting in a much reduced signal to each pixel. This process has been identified as a major bottleneck to further enhance the sensitivity and resolution of image sensors. To overcome this issue, several approaches have been proposed, among which color-splitting is one of the promising candidates, allowing a larger fraction of the incoming light to be utilized for imaging. In the last few years, color splitting for imaging applications has been investigated by several research groups with mixed success. 

In this project, we want to investigate how to make color splitters in our own technology. You will define a suitable device stack, based on your simulation results. The project should result in a manufacturable design fitted to the imec processes, which can later on be fabricated and characterized.