| 摘要 |
<p>An image sensor (100) having a photo-detector (202) and a reset contact (116) that are electrically connected by a discharge path (306) disposed between the reset contact and the photo-detector. The photo-detector has a depletion region for receiving and collecting radiation charges that are discharged through the discharge path to the reset contact. The reset of the photo-detector to a known potential is achieved by applying a high reset voltage to the reset voltage to the reset contact that causes a reset depletion region (302) to form beneath the reset contact. The outer perimeter of the restdepletion region defines a reset junction (304). The reset junction and the photo-dector junction are of the same polarity. As the high reset voltage is increased at the reset junction, the reset depletion region merges via punch through with the photo-detector's depletion region to create the discharge path. The kTC noise associated with the reset through a MOSFET switch is eliminated as the charge is transferred through the merging of two depletion areas.</p> |
