Samsung begins production of image sensor with 1.0μm pixels

The 1.0μm pixel-based 16-megapixel imaging sensor is an industry first and has already entered mass production, sparking rumours of a potential inclusion on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 5, a device expected to be handed an August 13 unveiling.

This ultra-thin sensor makes use of the proprietary camera technology called ISOCELL, a technology that deploys the surrounding pixels of the camera with a miniscule barrier that makes the sensor more sensitive to light and prevent color bleeding. With z-height below 5mm, the newcomer will allow hardware designers to create devices with minimal camera protrusion.

Samsung’s S5K3P3 image sensor is now availble for sale and use for slimmer and thinner mobile devices from any manufacturer.

“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”, he added.

“This substantially increases light sensitivity and effectively controls the collection of photons, resulting in higher colour fidelity even in poor lighting conditions”, explains Samsung. The firm said the new sensors will allow for mobile devices to be thinner than 5 millimeters.

Tech heads are more excited about the “1.0 micrometer” specification, which means that the sensor will feature individual pixels which are much larger than on previous models.

The new image sensor is also based on the company’s ISOCELL technology and the company notes that the small pixel minimises the “overall size and height of an image sensor module”.

As a result, Samsung’s smartphone cameras won’t need to protrude so severely in future.