Overview

This series of polarization image sensors has a multi-directional polarizer which is formed on top of the photodiode of the image sensor chip (On-Chip Polarizer). In addition to brightness and color*1 information, these image sensors can capture polarization information that cannot be detected by a conventional image sensors. They are expected to be used in many applications in the industrial fields, such as inspection when imaging and sensing are difficult.

*1) Color image sensors only

Features

Four directional polarizer is formed on the image sensor

Sony’s polarization image sensor can capture a four directional polarization image in one shot by the four directional polarizer (Fig.1). It can calculate the direction and degree of polarization (DoP) based on the intensity of each directional polarization. Together with subsequent signal processing, it can capture the polarization information*2 in real time*3.

*2) Degree of Polarization and Direction of Polarization
*3) Subject to subsequent signal processing power

Fig.1. Structure - Polarizer is formed under the On-Chip Lens.

Fig.1. Structure

Global Shutter function

Industrial applications require imaging of fast-moving objects. However, conventional CMOS image sensors are unable to accurately identify fast-moving objects, due to the focal plane distortion, which is caused by the rolling shutter function. The IMX250MZR/MYR, IMX264MZR/MYR, IMX253MZR/MYR(See lineup information.) address this issue by providing an analog memory inside each pixel and realizing the global shutter function to enable high-picture-quality without focal plane distortion.

Compatible with high-frame-rate photography

The column-parallel A/D conversion technology of Sony's CMOS image sensors is used to realize high-speed imaging of up to 163.4frame/s (ADC 8 bit) for the IMX250MZR/MYR, 35.7 frame/s(ADC 12 bit) for the IMX264MZR/MYR and 68.3frame/s (ADC 8 bit) for the IMX253MZR/MYR. Increased processing speed is used for industrial applications.

ROI mode and trigger mode

Region of Interest (ROI) Mode crops required areas. Up to 8 × 8 = 64 locations can be set with IMX250MZR/MYR, and 1 location with IMX264MZR/MYR. In addition to setting 8 × 8 = 64 locations, IMX253MZR/MYR provides greater freedom of specifying regions and allows overlap of specified regions. Various exposure methods are provided with the trigger mode, which controls the exposure time using an external pulse.

What is polarization?

Light has physical elements : brightness (amplitude), color (wavelength) and polarization (vibration direction). Lights from direct sun or fluorescent lamps vibrate in various directions and is called unpolarized light.

Figure of polarized light - When unpolarized light is transmitted through a polarizing filter, it emerges as polarized light.
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Figure of polarized light - When unpolarized light is transmitted through a polarizing filter, it emerges as polarized light.

Sony's polarization sensor has wire-grid polarizers. Parallel light against polarizer passes through it, while perpendicular light is cut off at the polarizer.

Product Lineup

PDF Model Name Image size Effective pixels
IMX250MZR / MYR PDF IMX250MZR / MYR Diagonal 11.1 mm (Type 2/3) Approx. 5.07 M pixels
IMX264MZR / MYR PDF IMX264MZR / MYR
IMX253MZR / MYR PDF IMX253MZR / MYR Diagonal 17.6 mm (Type 1.1) Approx. 12.37 M pixels

Specifications

Device Structure

Model Name IMX250MZR/MYR IMX264MZR/MYR IMX253MZR/MYR
Features Four-directional Polarization
Image size Progressive scan mode : Diagonal 11.1 mm (Type 2/3) Progressive scan mode : Diagonal 17.6 mm (Type 1.1)
Full-HD mode : Diagonal 7.7 mm (Type 1/2.35)
Number of effective pixels 2464 (H) × 2056 (V)
Approx. 5.07 M pixels
4112 (H) × 3008 (V)
Approx. 12.37 M pixels
Unit cell size 3.45 µm (H) × 3.45 µm (V)
Optical blacks Horizontal Front: 0 pixels, rear: 0 pixels
Vertical Front: 10 pixels, rear: 0 pixels
Input drive frequency 37.125 MHz / 54.0 MHz / 74.25 MHz
Package 226-pin LGA
Supply voltage VDD (Typ.) 3.3 V / 1.8 V / 1.2 V

Image Sensor Characteristics

Model Name IMX250MZR/MYR IMX264MZR/MYR IMX253MZR/MYR Remarks
Sensitivity (monochrome) Typ.
[F8]
342 mV 3200 K, 706 cd/m2、 1/30s accumulation
Sensitivity (color) Typ.
[F5.6]
430mV
Saturation signal Min. 1001 mV Tj = 60 °C

Basic Drive Mode

Model Name Drive mode Recommended number of recording pixels ADC
[bit]
Frame rate (Max.)
[frame/s]
IMX250MZR/MYR Progressive scan 2448 (H) × 2048 (V)
Approx. 5.01 M pixels
12 89.5
10 144.7
8 163.4
Full-HD 1920 (H) × 1080 (V)
Approx. 2.07 M pixels
12 120
10 120
IMX264MZR/MYR Progressive scan 2448 (H) × 2048 (V)
Approx. 5.01 M pixels
12 35.7
Full-HD 1920 (H) × 1080 (V)
Approx. 2.07 M pixels
12 60
IMX253MZR/MYR Progressive scan 4096 (H) × 3000 (V)
Approx. 12.29 M pixels
12 46.4
10 64.6
8 68.3

IMX250MZR/IMX264MZR/
IMX253MZR Omnidirectional
Extinction Ratio (Min.)

IMX250MZR/IMX264MZR/IMX253MZR Omnidirectional Extinction Ratio (Min.)

Omnidirectional Extinction Ratio (Minimum) is highest at around 420 when the wavelength is about 430nm. The ratio gradually decreases as the wavelength increases. The data may vary according to test enviromment.

Download

Polarization Image Sensors Overview

2-page summary of Sony's polarization image sensors

The Principle of Reflection Removal Utilizing Polarization and Features of Polarization Image Sensor

Introducing the details of the technology used in this polarization image sensors

A List of Cameras with Polarization Image Sensors

Download a list of cameras that incorporate Sony's polarization image sensors

Technology

Polarization Image Sensor Technology Polarsens

Find out more about the Polarsens technology.

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