Laser De-Bayering of Low-Cost Image Sensors

Abstract

Building upon prior work, a novel laser stripping method for removing the Bayer layer from an inexpensive back-illuminated complementary metal–oxide semiconductor image sensor (Raspberry Pi camera) is disclosed. The laser stripping process provides an attractive alternative to chemical stripping, negating the requirement for the processing of such sensors with harmful and environmentally damaging chemicals. Additionally, the method disclosed, though limited in speed, lays the groundwork toward a potentially fast and scalable process. It is demonstrated that such sensors, when stripped of the Bayer layer, exhibit enhanced spectral resolution and range from the ultraviolet to the infrared. Such inexpensive camera sensors, once modified, may be suitable for a variety of scientific applications where a high-resolution, broad spectral response is required, for example, in compact optical spectrometers.