Sony Corporation (hereafter, “Sony”) today announced the commercialization of two new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors 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*1 model for mobile phones. This is also the first time that “Exmor R” is commercialized for the use in mobile phones.

“IMX081PQ” is world’s first*1 type 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 16.41 effective megapixel resolution, and adopts the industry’s smallest*1 unit pixel size of 1.12μm. “IMX105PQ” is a type 1/3.2 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 8.13 effective megapixel resolutions for higher sensitivity and adopts a unit pixel size of 1.4μm. By embedding these highly sensitive sensors into mobile phones, including those without camera flash, users can capture high quality photos and videos even in low light settings.

Furthermore, Sony will commercialize “IU081F” and “IU105F2″ compact auto-focus lens modules which include the two new “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS image sensors. These down-sized modules are suitable and efficient for mobile phones with relatively limited space and are equipped with high performance lens which maximize the image sensors’ respective performances. “IU081F” is the industry’s smallest and thinnest*1 auto-focus lens module (W10.5 X D10.5 X H7.9mm) and is equipped with the 16.41 effective megapixel*2 CMOS image sensor. “IU105F2″ adopts the 8.13 effective megapixel*2 CMOS image sensor, and belongs in the industry’s smallest and thinnest*3 size class (W8.5 X D8.5 X H5.67mm).

Through its proprietary fine pixel fabrication process technology, Sony will proactively continue the development of “Exmor R” which adopts the 1.12μm unit pixel size for mobile phones. Accordingly, Sony aims to address customer demand by providing appropriately small lens modules especially for smartphones with large displays and limited space for components.

About the realization of high resolution
“IMX081PQ” is world’s first*1 type 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor which realizes 16.41 effective megapixel resolution, and adopts the industry’s smallest*1 unit pixel size of 1.12μm achieved by the fine pixel fabrication process technology. In theory, when a unit pixel size is made smaller, there are also some issues such as color mixture among smaller unit pixels. Sony solved this problem by implementing a unique formation of photo diodes optimally designed for fine pixel structure to realize a CMOS image sensor with high resolution, high sensitivity and low noise.

According to the source, with the announcement of 12 megapixel camera phone, Samsung might also upgrading its 8 megapixel series with a 3x optical zoom option.

Would Sony Ericsson jump on the 12 megapixel line up together with Samsung? That should not be impossible, given that Sony has already announced a 12.25 megapixel camera CMOS module called “Exmor” in November last year.

[via slashgear / unwiredview]

Picture

Above: Lens modules (from left to right) “IU060F”*2 “IU046F”
Below: CMOS Image sensors “Exmor” (from left to right)”IMX060PQ” “IMX046PQ” “IMX045PQ”