Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (or CMOS) image sensors have revolutionized the world of digital imaging since their introduction in the late 1960s. Initially developed for memory applications, CMOS technology found its way into image sensors due to its lower power consumption and higher integration capabilities compared to CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) sensors, which held the majority of the market.
In the 1990s, CMOS image sensors gained traction in consumer electronics for their low power consumption while advancements in manufacturing processes allowed for higher resolution and improved image quality, specifically digital cameras and camcorders. Throughout the early 2000s, CMOS image sensors continued to evolve rapidly, with improvements in pixel size, sensitivity, and dynamic range. These advancements led to their widespread adoption in smartphones, where space and power constraints made them the preferred choice over CCD sensors.
Wafer of QMOS chips
The 2010s saw CMOS image sensors becoming ubiquitous in various applications beyond consumer electronics. They found use in medical imaging, automotive safety systems, surveillance cameras, and industrial inspection systems, among others. The ability to integrate additional functionality, such as on-chip signal processing and image enhancement, further expanded their utility.
In recent years, CMOS image sensors have continued to push technological boundaries. With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, sensor manufacturers have integrated features like advanced noise reduction, high-speed data processing, and even on-chip AI inference capabilities. These enhancements enable applications such as facial recognition, object detection, and autonomous driving.
So where do we go from here?
Although CMOS sensors excel at detecting visible light, there are many applications for image sensors that fall beyond the visible. Short wave infrared light (SWIR) is highly sought-after with applications spanning automotive, surveillance and biomedical technologies. Current solutions employ expensive materials like Gallium, Indium and Germanium which contribute to unattainable costs for many SWIR applications.
At its core, SeeDevice’s QMOS™ technology differentiates itself from competing technologies as QMOS™ is pure CMOS construction. QMOS™ utilizes principals of quantum physics to sense even the smallest photon impact to produce a substantially stronger signal, all while remaining purely silicon, with no additional materials or processes. Due to our sensor’s unique properties, we are able to match or outperform competing InGaAs technologies at a fraction of the price. As technologies continue to call for SWIR sensing, SeeDevice can answer offering unbeatable performance and affordability.