Basics Chapter Overview
This chapter is the non-mathematical entry point for the theory section. It explains the physical story in plain language before the optics, sensor, and simulation chapters introduce equations and implementation details.
Use these pages when you want intuition first:
| Page | Role | Continue with |
|---|---|---|
| What is a CMOS Image Sensor? | Big picture from camera module to pixel simulation | Image Sensor Optics |
| Optics Primer | Plain-language explanation of wavelength, refraction, absorption, interference, diffraction, and polarization | Light Basics |
| Pixel Anatomy | Guided tour through the BSI pixel stack and its visual components | Image Sensor Optics |
| Understanding QE | Photon-budget view of quantum efficiency and losses | Quantum Efficiency |
Boundary with the deeper chapters
- Basics answers "what is happening?" without requiring equations.
- Optics answers "which wave-optics law explains it?"
- Image Sensor answers "where does it happen in the pixel stack?"
- Simulation answers "how does COMPASS compute it?"
If two pages seem to cover the same topic, read the Basics page for intuition and the later chapter page for the precise model.