Angular Response Simulator

In real cameras, light hits pixels at various angles depending on the pixel's position on the sensor and the lens design. The Chief Ray Angle (CRA) can reach 20-30° at the sensor edge, significantly affecting QE.

Angular Response Simulator

Explore how quantum efficiency changes with angle of incidence — critical for understanding Chief Ray Angle (CRA) effects in image sensors.

Unpolarized s-pol p-pol

Wavelength: 550 nm

Color Filter:RedGreenBlue

Silicon thickness: 3.0 um

Max angle: 60°

QE @ 0°45.2%

QE @ 15°48.5%

QE @ 30°63.0%

Half-power angle60°

CRA Effects

As the angle of incidence increases:

• Reflectance increases due to Fresnel effects (especially for s-polarization)
• Effective path length increases through each layer, shifting thin-film interference conditions
• QE generally decreases, with the rate depending on the BARL design and color filter

TIP

A well-designed BARL maintains >80% of normal-incidence QE up to 15° CRA. Beyond 20°, QE degradation becomes significant for most pixel designs.