Color recognition sensor in standard CMOS technology

Two integrated color detectors are presented as a solution for low cost color sensing applications. The color detection is based on lateral carrier diffusion and wavelength-dependent absorption-depth. The proposed detectors are implemented in a standard 130 nm CMOS technology without process modification or color filters. Three independent output signals are obtained with spectral responsivities optimized to short, middle and long wavelengths. R, G, B or X, Y, Z standard color representation can be realized by a linear transformation of the output signals.