Ultra-Slim 1.0μm Samsung Imaging Sensor Set To Boost Smartphone Cameras

Samsung is kickstarting production of the industry’s first 16 megapixel complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors based on 1.0μm pixels – a breakthrough which will mean mobile device cameras, even in super-thin smartphones, can pack in incredibly powerful cameras that are able to capture highly-detailed images.

Souped up

The new sensor (pictured left), named the S5K3P3, uses Samsung’s ISOCELL technology to enable the use of such tiny pixels, reducing the overall size and height of the image sensor module found in a device’s camera by as much as 20 percent.

This should mean an end to devices that have a camera lens protruding from the back, most notably seen in Apple’s iPhone 6.

The use of ISOCELL technology in the new sensor will also increase the quality of images by adding physical barriers between each pixel. This will dramatically reduce the amount of colour blurring amongst neighbouring pixels as well as substantially increasing light sensitivity enabling higher colour fidelity, even in poor lighting conditions.

“As a trendsetter in the mobile image sensor business, we are pleased to be the first to deliver the most advanced 1.0μm-pixel imager, which meets both high-resolution and slim design requirements for smartphone cameras,” said Kyushik Hong, Samsung’s vice president and head of S.LSI Marketing.

“Starting with 16MP sensor, Samsung plans to further expand 1 .0μm-pixel product category and lead the image sensor market for high performing slim mobile devices.”

The new image sensors, which are available for device manufacturers to use from today may well appear in Samsung’s next smartphones, which should be revealed at the company’s Unpacked event in New York on August 13.

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