Sony 2011 Annual Report Download - page 22

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20
Compared with conventional front-illuminated comple-
mentary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sen-
sor architecture, the “Exmor R” back-illuminated CMOS
image sensor achieves approximately twice the sensitivity
and features low noise*1. After its successful development
in 2008, the “Exmor R” was first deployed by Sony in 2009
in the Handycam® and has since been used in such prod-
ucts as compact digital cameras and mobile phones. The
“Exmor R” has won high praise from users for realizing high
performance in very low-light scenarios. For example, without
using a flash, cameras equipped with the “Exmor R” can
capture clear, vibrant photos even when the only light avail-
able is candlelight. In recognition of its role in enhancing
the performance of compact digital cameras and opening
up a new realm of possibilities, the “Exmor R” received a
rare honor for an image sensor—the Editors Award at the
Camera Grand Prix 2010—in Japan. The development and
mass production of the “Exmor R” gained further recogni-
tion when Sony Corporation and Sony Semiconductor
Kyushu Corporation received the 57th Okochi Memorial
“Exmor RTM” back-illuminated CMOS image sensor enables cameras to capture
clear images even in scenes lit only by candle
Special Feature:
*1 Comparison between Sony’s conventional (front-illuminated) CMOS image sensor and the new back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with the same pixel size (1.75µm).
*2 On September 1, 2010, Sony announced an investment of 40 billion yen in Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation’s Kumamoto Technology Center, and on December 27,
2010, Sony announced an investment of 100 billion yen in the Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation’s Nagasaki Technology Center.