Sony today unveiled the world’s first 16.41 “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, specially developed for mobile phones. The new 1/2.8 back-illuminated sensor feature an industry smallest unit pixel size of 1.12μm.
This breakthrough is achieved by the fine pixel fabrication process technology and Sony also claims that have solved some issues such as color mixture among smaller unit pixels by implementing a unique formation of photo diodes optimally designed for fine pixel structure to make possible such CMOS image sensor with high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise. Sony also announced second image sensor (IMX105PQ), which offers 8.13 effective megapixel resolutions and unit pixel size of 1.4μm. Both sensors are capable of shooting 1080p at 30fps and 720p/60fps with “dramatically improved photographic performance including significantly high sensitivity and low noise.”
In addition, Sony will launch two new lens modules equipped with these image sensors, which also include the smallest and thinnest model for mobile phones. The first samples are expected to be available January 2011 ¥2,500(IMX081PQ) and 8.13 megapixels back-illuminated CMOS image sensor – IMX105PQ in March for 1,500 JPY, while Lens module “IU081F” March, 2011 12,000 JPY and other IU105F2 Lens module April, 2011 for 8,000 JPY