Sensing all forms of light

Image sensors used in smartphones (image)

Image sensors are semiconductors known as "electronic eyes". These tiny semiconductors enable us to capture a variety of everyday moments through smartphones and cameras, and to share our kando (emotion) with each other.

Sony has also continued to push the limits of performance, including resolution, speed, distance, and perception of invisible light, in its quest to create image sensors that surpass the capabilities of the human eye. Sensing technology, which is realized by combining image sensors with various technologies, has entered our daily lives and social infrastructure, supporting all aspects of our lives by providing new solutions and entertainment all around us.

Why are Sony's image sensors preferred by consumers?

More than 40 years ago, Sony created the world's first image sensor under the vision, "If we could create an image sensor, we would be able to create inexpensive video cameras, and even an individual would be able to own and use a video camera with ease." It took eight years of persistent effort by Sony's engineers and the conviction of Sony's management to bring this new lifestyle of capturing memories in the physical form of a photo to the masses. Today, Sony's image sensors are the world's No. 1 in terms of market share, accounting for 53 percent of sales in 2023.

How is Sony able to create image sensor technologies that are the most chosen by customers around the world?
Tetsuya Tatsumi of Sony Group Corporation, a top engineer involved in Sony's next-generation human resource development, says:

"Sony engineers are free in many ways. Sony is a very unique company with many people who do not put themselves inside one box and are willing to try and accomplish things that may seem impossible. This culture of freedom has been applied to the development of image sensors and has led to the successful development of many new products that would have been difficult to realize using conventional thinking."

Since the beginning of CCD development in 1970, Sony has devoted itself to the pursuit of fundamental technologies and the acquisition of comprehensive manufacturing expertise, and has continued to take on challenges with the aim of mastering even more difficult technologies. The DNA of "Do what no one else will do" that has been passed down since the company's founding has fueled an insatiable appetite for challenge and produced epoch-making results such as back-illuminated structure and stacked structure image sensor technologies.

Tatsumi adds, "One more thing: I think Sony is a company where people who can envision clearly how each new technology can contribute to new experiences in the future play an active role and find success."

Image sensors, too, have evolved to the point where they can serve as the "electric eyes" of a wide variety of machines, thanks to the continued efforts of people with the vision and passion to change the world through their technology.

"The attitude of knowing, connecting, and learning about the world at large is an important asset for both the individual engineer and for Sony," says Tatsumi.

There are businesses within the Sony Group that require image sensors for digital cameras, smartphones, professional cameras, security cameras, and other applications, as well as various entertainment businesses that produce a range of creative content with cameras loaded with Sony's image sensors. Outside the company as well, Sony is in continuous dialogue with customers and partners around the world, learning every day about the future added value they want to realize. Sony's engineers are passionate about creating the future with their own technology and have the "unconventional creativity" to surpass customers' expectations. This is Sony's strength and the driving force behind the development of image sensors that are chosen by customers.