WO2014148291A1 - Lens array unit, imaging device, method for manufacturing lens array unit, and method for manufacturing imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a thin lens array unit such that overlapping between adjacent single-element images can be prevented, and such that warping and reduction in strength can be prevented while simplicity in production is ensured. A flare stop layer (25) having openings (25b) corresponding to second lens elements (23e) is provided on the image-side surface of a transparent substrate (21) which is part of a second lens array (20) nearest to the image side, and thus the flare stop layer (25), which can be easily manufactured, can limit the range of light emitted from the lens array unit (100). Particularly, each of the plurality of openings (25b) covered by a second lens element (23e) has a rectangular or an elongated contour, thus allowing overlapping of single-element images due to adjacent second lens elements (23e) to be prevented and allowing the array density of the second lens elements (23e) or imaging elements (51) to be increased.

Description

Lens array unit, imaging device, method for manufacturing lens array unit, and method for manufacturing imaging device

The present invention relates to a lens array unit having a plurality of lens elements arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, an imaging device, a manufacturing method of the lens array unit, and a manufacturing method of the imaging device.

A compound eye imaging device using a lens array is known, and in order to prevent light that has passed through one lens from entering a light receiving region of an imaging element that is not associated with the lens, in other words, an adjacent lens In order to prevent the single-eye images due to the elements from overlapping, it has been proposed to arrange a light-shielding wall or a light-shielding block between the lens array and the image sensor (Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, when installing such light-shielding walls and light-blocking blocks, in addition to the problem that the number of parts increases and the manufacturing process for aligning and joining them increases, the ends and inner walls of these members A ghost is generated due to the reflection of the light, which may lead to a decrease in image quality. In order to prevent this, if an attempt is made to thin the light shielding wall or the light shielding block into a plate shape, these members are warped, causing problems with respect to positional accuracy, light shielding accuracy, and the like. Further, when these members are thinned, the mechanical strength is lowered, so that assembly or assembly becomes difficult. Furthermore, when a light shielding wall or a light shielding block is installed, the thickness of the entire apparatus tends to increase, which is disadvantageous for making the apparatus thinner. Furthermore, the light shielding wall and the light shielding block are complicated in shape, and it is difficult to process parts, and it is difficult to arrange a plurality of lenses closely, and there is a problem that the size of the lens array must be increased.

Patent Document 3 describes a compound-eye imaging device in which a stray light blocking member having a single rectangular opening with a size including all lenses is provided on the object side of the lens array. However, in the case of this compound-eye imaging device, since the lens array and the stray light blocking member are separated, the number of parts and manufacturing processes are increased, the stray light blocking member is warped, and the thickness of the entire device is increased. There are the same problems as above. In addition, since there is no stop on the exit side of the lens, it is difficult to prevent light from entering the adjacent area.

As a lens array, a wafer level lens having a structure in which a large number of resin lenses are two-dimensionally arranged on a transparent substrate is known. For example, Patent Document 4 discloses a glass substrate provided with a diaphragm layer formed of a light-shielding resist. However, in Patent Document 4, it is assumed that a wafer level lens is diced into individual lenses, and a compound eye imaging device using a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional manner. Is not described, and the specific aperture shape of the diaphragm layer when the lens array is used in a compound-eye imaging device is not described.

JP 2011-147079 A JP 2009-164654 A JP 2009-27311 A International Publication No. 2009/133756

The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the background art described above, and is a thin lens that can prevent adjacent single-eye images from overlapping and prevent warping and strength reduction while ensuring ease of manufacture. It is an object of the present invention to provide an array unit, an imaging apparatus, a lens array unit manufacturing method, and an imaging apparatus manufacturing method.

In order to solve the above problems, a lens array unit according to the present invention is a lens array unit in which one or more lens arrays each having a plurality of lens elements arranged on at least the image side of a transparent substrate are disposed, and the most image side A light-shielding stop layer having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to a plurality of lens elements is provided on at least the image-side surface of the transparent substrate, and each lens element covers each opening and each opening edge of the light-shielding stop layer. The plurality of openings each have a non-circular contour shape. Here, the non-circular contour shape includes, for example, a rectangular shape, a barrel shape, a pincushion shape, a horizontally long shape, and the like.

According to the lens array unit, the light-shielding diaphragm layer having an opening corresponding to the lens element is provided on the image-side surface of the most image-side transparent substrate. The range of light emitted from the array unit can be limited. In particular, since each of the plurality of openings covered by the lens elements has a non-circular contour shape, it is possible to suppress or reduce the overlap of the single-eye images by the adjacent lens elements, and increase the arrangement density of the lens elements. be able to. Here, the light-shielding diaphragm layer as described above is provided on the transparent substrate, so that problems relating to warpage and strength are unlikely to occur, and the lens array unit and the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit can be made thin and small.

In a specific aspect or aspect of the present invention, in the lens array unit, the plurality of openings have a symmetrical shape with respect to two orthogonal axes, and the opening width on the same or narrow side along the two axes is two axes. It is narrower than the opening width in the middle direction inclined with respect to. In this case, the opening has a shape closer to a rectangle than a circle or a shape obtained by extending a circle in a specific direction, so that it is possible to prevent adjacent single-eye images from overlapping and increase the arrangement density of lens elements. it can.

In another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of openings have a symmetrical shape with respect to two orthogonal axes, and the first opening width on the relatively wide side and the second opening on the relatively narrow side along the two axes. Width. In this case, the opening is rectangular, elliptical, or the like.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the ratio between the first opening width and the second opening width is substantially equal to the ratio between the long side and the short side of the sensor to be combined with the lens array.

Still another aspect of the present invention includes a first lens array that is relatively disposed on the object side and a second lens array that is disposed on the most image side. In this case, the lens array unit includes a pair of lens arrays.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the first lens array is disposed on the most object side, and is formed in the first lens array on at least the object side surface of the transparent substrate of the first lens array. An aperture stop layer having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of lens elements is provided.

In still another aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary aperture layer having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to a plurality of lens elements is provided on the image side surface of the transparent substrate of the first lens array.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the aperture of the aperture stop layer is a circle or a rectangle with a corner (including a square).

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the opening of the auxiliary diaphragm layer has a shape substantially similar to the opening of the light-shielding diaphragm layer.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the opening of the light-shielding diaphragm layer is a rectangle or a rectangle with corners.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a parallel plate is further provided on the image side than the lens array on the most image side. This parallel plate can have another function such as a filter function.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, an antireflection film is provided on at least one surface of the parallel plates.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a light shielding film having a plurality of openings is provided on one surface of the parallel plate.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes the above-described lens array unit and a sensor array disposed to face the lens array unit.

In a specific mode or aspect of the present invention, an antireflection film is formed on the surface of the cover glass of the sensor array in the imaging device. In this case, formation of a ghost image can be further prevented.

In order to solve the above problems, a method of manufacturing a lens array unit according to the present invention includes a step of forming a light-shielding diaphragm layer having a plurality of openings each having a non-circular contour shape on at least an image-side surface of a transparent substrate. A step of forming a plurality of lens elements so as to cover the edge of each opening on at least the side of the transparent substrate on which the light-shielding diaphragm layer is provided, and the lens so that the lens element covering the opening is closest to the image side. Providing a lens array having an element with a spacer for defining a distance from a sensor array for receiving light that has passed through the lens array.

According to the manufacturing method of the lens array unit, since the light-shielding stop layer having an opening corresponding to the lens element closest to the image side is provided, the light-shielding stop layer that can be easily produced is emitted from the lens array unit. The range of light can be limited. In particular, since each of the plurality of openings covered by the lens elements has a non-circular contour shape, it is possible to suppress or reduce the overlap of the single-eye images by the adjacent lens elements, and increase the arrangement density of the lens elements. be able to. The light-shielding diaphragm layer as described above is provided on the transparent substrate and hardly causes problems regarding warpage and strength, and the lens array unit and the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit can be made thin and small.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a manufacturing method of an imaging apparatus according to the present invention uses a common transparent substrate having a size corresponding to a plurality of lens array units as a transparent substrate, and a plurality of lens array units by the manufacturing method described above. Produced integrally, joined the plurality of lens array units to a plurality of integrally fabricated sensor arrays, and cut the joined body of the plurality of lens array units and the plurality of sensor arrays into individual units. Divide into pieces. In this case, the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit can be mass-produced efficiently.

FIG. 1A is a side sectional view of an imaging apparatus incorporating the lens array unit of the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 2A is a conceptual diagram for schematically explaining the arrangement relationship in the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B is a conceptual diagram for explaining the arrangement relationship of a modification. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view specifically illustrating the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 2A. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of the imaging device. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a manufacturing process of the imaging device. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of the imaging device. 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of the imaging device. 8A to 8D are diagrams for explaining the aperture pattern of the aperture layer. It is side sectional drawing of the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit of 2nd Embodiment. It is side sectional drawing of the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit of 3rd Embodiment. It is side sectional drawing of the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit of 4th Embodiment. 12A to 12D are diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of the imaging device. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing process of the imaging device. It is a sectional side view of the imaging device incorporating the lens array unit of 5th Embodiment. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating a modification of the fourth and fifth embodiments. 16A to 16F are diagrams for explaining a modification of the opening shape of the light-shielding stop layer. 17A to 17D are diagrams for explaining a modification of the opening shape of the light-shielding stop layer.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an imaging device incorporating the lens array unit according to the first embodiment and a manufacturing method thereof will be described with reference to the drawings.

An imaging apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a compound eye imaging apparatus that generates a plurality of images using a plurality of imaging lenses and reconstructs one image from the plurality of images. The imaging apparatus 1000 includes a lens array unit 100 and an imaging element array 500, and has a structure in which these are stacked. For easy understanding, coloring and hatching are not performed in FIG. 1B. Also in each figure mentioned later, coloring and hatching may be omitted.

The lens array unit 100 is a laminated body in which the first lens array 10, the second lens array 20, and the lower spacer 30 are laminated by sequentially bonding with an adhesive. The first and second lens arrays 10 and 20 are flat members extending in parallel to the XY plane. The lower spacer 30 is a frame-shaped member that extends along a plane parallel to the XY plane. These members 10, 20, and 30 are stacked in the Z-axis direction. The central axis AX of the lens array unit 100 is parallel to the Z axis.

In the lens array unit 100, the first lens array 10 is an optical component having a rectangular plate shape (including a square plate shape), and is secondarily arranged along the XY plane as an optical element constituting the optical component. A plurality of compound lenses 10e. The first lens array 10 includes a parallel plate-like transparent substrate 11, a first resin layer 12 disposed on the object side of the transparent substrate 11, and an aperture stop layer 14 similarly disposed on the object side of the transparent substrate 11. The second resin layer 13 disposed on the image side of the transparent substrate 11 and the auxiliary diaphragm layer 15 disposed on the image side of the transparent substrate 11 are provided. Here, the first and second resin layers 12 and 13 are composed of a large number of portions (partial elements of the compound lens 10e) arranged on lattice points, and the respective portions are aligned with each other and bonded to the transparent substrate 11. Has been.

The transparent substrate 11 of the first lens array 10 is a glass plate that is formed of an optical glass material and extends over the entire first lens array 10. Substrate surfaces 11a and 11b, which are a pair of surfaces of the transparent substrate 11, are covered with IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d, respectively. The thickness of the transparent substrate 11 including the IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d is basically determined by optical specifications, but is a thickness that does not damage the first lens array 10 when it is released. The transparent substrate 11 constitutes the central portion of the compound lens 10e in the axis AX direction. The transparent substrate 11 may be made of resin or the like.

The first resin layer 12 is discretely formed on the object-side substrate surface (most object side surface) 11 a provided on the transparent substrate 11. The first resin layer 12 has a plurality of first lens elements 12e. Each first lens element 12e is independent in a state of being separated from each other, and constitutes an upper portion (a part on the object side) of the compound lens 10e. Each first lens element 12 e is arranged on a two-dimensional lattice point in the XY plane on the transparent substrate 11. Each first lens element 12e is a convex lens portion and has an aspherical first optical surface 12a. The plurality of first optical surfaces 12a constituting the first resin layer 12 are collectively molded by transfer using a transfer mold having a molding surface having a negative shape corresponding to each first optical surface 12a.

The aperture stop layer 14 is for preventing useless rays from passing through the first lens array 10 and limiting the incidence of light on the compound lens 10e. The aperture stop 14 is a thin film made of a light-shielding material formed on the substrate surface (most object side surface) 11a of the transparent substrate 11, and includes a layer body 14a in which a plurality of openings 14b are formed. The opening 14b is circular, and is formed as a through hole at a position corresponding to the first lens element 12e of the compound lens 10e. The aperture stop layer 14 can effectively use the light incident on the first lens element 12e of the first lens array 10. The layer body 14a is formed of a resin colored black with a dye or pigment, such as a black photoresist, and blocks incident light by absorption. The diameter of the opening 14b is smaller than the diameter of the first lens element 12e. That is, each first lens element 12 e covers each opening 14 b and each opening edge 14 d of the aperture stop layer 14. The aperture stop layer 14 has a thickness of about 1 to 10 μm. The aperture stop layer 14 is not formed on the outer edge portion corresponding to the arrangement of the spacer portion 13s described later, but may be formed.

The second resin layer 13 is formed on the image-side substrate surface (image side surface) 11 b provided on the transparent substrate 11. The second resin layer 13 includes a plurality of second lens elements 13e and surrounding spacer portions 13s. Each second lens element 13e is independent in a state of being separated from each other, and constitutes a lower portion (image side portion) of the compound lens 10e. The second lens elements 13e are two-dimensionally arranged in the XY plane on the transparent substrate 11. The position of each second lens element 13 e corresponds to the position of each first lens element 12 e on the opposite side of the transparent substrate 11. Each second lens element 13e is a concave lens part and has an aspherical second optical surface 13a. The plurality of second optical surfaces 13a constituting the second resin layer 13 are collectively molded by transfer using a transfer mold having a molding surface having a negative shape corresponding to each second optical surface 13a. On the other hand, the spacer portion 13s is formed in a rectangular frame shape (including a square frame shape) along the edge portion of the transparent substrate 11 outside the second lens element 13e. The spacer portion 13s has a uniform thickness.

The auxiliary aperture layer 15 enhances the effect of preventing unnecessary light from being emitted from the first lens array 10 and preventing unnecessary light from entering the second lens array 20, or in the first lens array 10. For suppressing ghosts caused by light propagating in the plane direction. The auxiliary aperture layer 15 is a thin film made of a light-shielding material formed on the substrate surface (image side surface) 11b of the transparent substrate 11, and includes a layer body 15a in which a plurality of openings 15b are formed. The layer body 15a is made of a resin colored black with a dye or pigment, such as a black photoresist, and blocks incident light by absorption. The opening 15b has a horizontally long barrel shape or a rectangular shape corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the image sensor 51 described later, and is formed as a through hole at a position corresponding to the second lens element 13e of the compound lens 10e. ing. The opening 15b of the auxiliary diaphragm layer 15 has a shape substantially similar to an opening 25b of a light shielding diaphragm layer 25 described later. The auxiliary diaphragm 15 can more reliably prevent stray light. The opening width on the long axis side of the opening 15b is smaller than the diameter of the second lens element 13e. As a result, the opening width on the short axis side of the opening 15b is smaller than the diameter of the second lens element 13e. ing. That is, each second lens element 13e covers each opening 15b and each opening edge 15d of the auxiliary aperture layer 15. The auxiliary diaphragm layer 15 has a thickness of about 1 to 10 μm. The auxiliary diaphragm layer 15 is not formed on the outer edge portion where the spacer portion 13s described later is disposed.

Of the lens array unit 100, the second lens array 20 is a rectangular plate-like (including square plate-like) optical component similar to the first lens array 10, and along the XY plane as an optical element constituting this. A plurality of compound lenses 20e that are secondarily arranged. The second lens array 20 includes a parallel plate-like transparent substrate 21, a first resin layer 22 disposed on the object side of the transparent substrate 21, a second resin layer 23 disposed on the image side of the transparent substrate 21, And an auxiliary aperture layer 25 disposed on the image side of the transparent substrate 21. Here, the first and second resin layers 22 and 23 are composed of a large number of portions (partial elements of the compound lens 20 e) arranged on the lattice points, and the respective portions are aligned with each other and bonded to the transparent substrate 21. Has been.

The transparent substrate 21 of the second lens array 20 is formed of a glass plate extending over the entire second lens array 20. The substrate surfaces 21a and 21b which are a pair of surfaces of the transparent substrate 21 are not covered with the IR cut filter layer. The thickness of the transparent substrate 21 is basically determined by optical specifications, but is a thickness that does not damage the second lens array 20 when it is released. The transparent substrate 21 constitutes the central portion of the compound lens 20e in the axis AX direction. The transparent substrate 21 may be made of resin or the like.

The first resin layer 22 is discretely formed on an object-side substrate surface (object side surface) 21 a provided on the transparent substrate 21. The first resin layer 22 includes a plurality of first lens elements 22e and surrounding spacer portions 22s. Each first lens element 22e is independent in a state of being separated from each other, and constitutes an upper part (a part on the object side) of the compound lens 20e. Each first lens element 22 e is arranged on a two-dimensional lattice point in the XY plane on the transparent substrate 21. Each second lens element 22e is a concave lens portion, and has an aspherical first optical surface 22a. The plurality of first optical surfaces 22a constituting the first resin layer 22 are collectively molded by transfer using a transfer mold having a molding surface having a negative shape corresponding to each first optical surface 22a. On the other hand, the spacer portion 22s is formed in a rectangular frame shape (including a square frame shape) along the edge portion of the transparent substrate 21 outside the first lens element 22e. The spacer portion 22s has a uniform thickness.

The second resin layer 23 is formed on the image-side substrate surface (image side surface) 21 b provided on the transparent substrate 21. The second resin layer 23 has a plurality of second lens elements 23e. Each second lens element 23e is independent in a state of being separated from each other, and constitutes a lower portion (image side portion) of the compound lens 20e. The second lens elements 23e are two-dimensionally arranged in the XY plane on the transparent substrate 21. The position of each second lens element 23e corresponds to the position of each first lens element 22e on the opposite side of the transparent substrate 21. Each second lens element 23e is a convex lens part and has an aspherical second optical surface 23a. The plurality of second optical surfaces 23a constituting the second resin layer 23 are collectively molded by transfer using a transfer mold having a negative molding surface corresponding to each second optical surface 23a.

The light shielding stop layer 25 is for preventing light from entering a region other than the corresponding region of the image sensor 51. The light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is a thin film made of a light-shielding material formed on the substrate surface (image side surface) 21b of the transparent substrate 21, and is composed of a layer body 25a having a plurality of openings 25b. The layer body 25a is formed of a resin colored black with a dye or pigment, such as a black photoresist, and blocks incident light by absorption. The opening 25b has a horizontally long rectangular corner and is formed as a through hole at a position corresponding to the second lens element 23e of the compound lens 20e. The opening shape of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 can be made to correspond to a rectangular imaging element 51 described later. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of openings 25b have a symmetrical shape with respect to two orthogonal axes (X axis and Y axis), and relative to the first opening width b2 on the relatively wide side along the two axes. Second opening width a2. The first opening width b2 on the long axis side of the opening 25b is smaller than the diameter of the second lens element 23e. As a result, the second opening width a2 on the short axis side of the opening 25b is the second lens element 23e. It is smaller than the diameter. That is, each second lens element 23e covers each opening 25b and each opening edge 25d of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25. The thickness of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is about 1 to 10 μm. Note that the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is not formed on the outer edge portion to be joined with the lower spacer 30. Further, the outline of the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 may be a rectangle with no corners.
Since each aperture layer 14, 15, 25 is formed on the transparent substrates 11, 21, it is integrated with the transparent substrates 11, 21, and the aperture member, which is a separate member after the lens array is manufactured, is used as a lens. There is no need to assemble the array. The aperture stop layer 14 is not disposed on the object side with respect to the first lens element 12e, and the stop layers 15 and 25 are not disposed on the image side with respect to the lens elements 13e and 23e. Therefore, the thickness as the lens array unit 100 and the imaging device 1000 can be reduced. Further, for example, the shape (circular shape) of the second lens element 23e viewed from the optical axis direction is inconsistent with the shape of the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 (non-circular shape that fits in the lens element 23e viewed from the optical axis direction). Nevertheless, the lens element 23e and the light shielding stop layer 25 can be disposed sufficiently close to each other.

In the lens array unit 100, the lower spacer 30 is a square cylindrical member formed of glass, ceramics, resin, or the like. The lower spacer 30 is a part that functions as a support member for the second lens array 20, and is provided between the second lens array 20 and the imaging element array 500. The lower spacer 30 is arranged outside the second lens element 23e and along the edge portion of the transparent substrate 21 so as not to interfere with the second resin layer 23 or the second lens element 23e of the second lens array 20. ing. The lower spacer 30 has a uniform thickness or height in the axis AX direction.

A plurality of subject images are formed on the image sensor array 500 by the optical system 1e formed by the pair of compound lenses 10e and 20e of the first and second lens arrays 10 and 20. The imaging element array 500 includes imaging elements 51 that are two-dimensionally arranged in the XY directions perpendicular to the optical axes of the compound lenses 10e and 20e. The image sensor 51 is a sensor chip made of a solid-state image sensor. The photoelectric conversion unit (not shown) of the image pickup device 51 includes a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor), photoelectrically converts incident light for each RGB, and outputs an analog signal corresponding to the incident light amount. . The surface of the photoelectric conversion unit as the light receiving unit is an imaging surface (projected surface) I. The image sensor array 500 is fixed to a wiring board (not shown). This wiring board receives supply of a voltage and a signal for driving the image sensor 51 from an external circuit, and outputs a signal from the image sensor 51 to the external circuit. Each imaging device 51 or imaging surface I has a rectangular shape that is long in the X direction.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement relationship between the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 of the second lens array 20 and the image sensor 51 of the image sensor array 500. FIG. As is apparent from the figure, the compound lens 20e or the second lens element 23e is formed in an aligned state so as to cover the entire opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25. Further, the image pickup device 51 is formed in a state in which the opening 25b is enlarged by one size.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view more specifically illustrating the arrangement relationship shown in FIG. 2A. In general, the effective area of the lens is circular, but the effective area of the image sensor is non-circular, and is often set in a horizontally long rectangular shape according to the human eye. In the case of a compound-eye imaging device, a plurality of light receiving areas corresponding to each lens are required. In the present embodiment, a plurality of imaging elements 51 each having a horizontally long effective area composed of a plurality of pixels are spaced apart. The arranged image sensor array 500 is used. The opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is slightly smaller than the effective area EA1 of the image sensor 51. However, since the light passes through the compound lens 20e while spreading, a range L1 that sufficiently covers the effective area EA1 of the image sensor 51. Illuminate. Here, the effective area EA2 of the second lens element 23e is circular and has a size that sufficiently covers the opening 25b. The aspect ratio of the effective area EA1 of the image sensor 51 is a1: b1, and the aspect ratio related to the opening width of the opening 25b is a2: b2, which are similar, and are a1: b1 = a2: b2. Become. As a result, the light from the second lens element 23e can be formed on the rectangular area corresponding to the image sensor 51 that is a sensor through the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25, and the second lens element 23e is not wasted. Depending on the arrangement, the lens array unit 100 and the imaging device 1000 incorporating the lens array unit 100 can be reduced in size. The opening width c2 in the diagonal direction of the opening 25b is larger than both the second opening width a2 in the vertical direction and the first opening width b2 in the horizontal direction. Here, the diagonal direction means an intermediate direction determined by a pair of opening widths a2 and b2 along the axis. The contour shape of the opening 25b is non-circular, and as a result of reducing the curvature of the arc in both the x direction and the y direction, it can be considered that the opening shape is relatively long in the diagonal direction. Note that, instead of the imaging element array 500 in which the plurality of imaging elements 51 are arranged in an island shape as described above, one pixel in which pixels are arranged over the entire region corresponding to all of the compound lenses 10e and 20e on the XY plane. An image sensor may be used.

In the present embodiment, the compound lenses 10e and 20e are arranged at substantially equal pitches (Y-direction pitch P1≈X-direction pitch P2), but the shape of the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is long in the X direction. Since it is a horizontally long shape in the Y direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pitch in the Y direction can be reduced from P1 to P1 ′ (P1 ′ <P2). Thereby, the size of the lens arrays 10 and 20 can be reduced. Assuming a comparative example in which the light blocking diaphragm layer 25 is not provided, unlike the case shown in FIG. 3, the light beam passing through the compound lens 20e is not limited, and the light beam has a wide elliptical range L0 wider than the range L1. Will be illuminated. For this reason, in the case of the comparative example, it is not easy to reduce the pitches P1 and P2 of the image sensor 51, and it is not easy to reduce the pitches P1 and P2.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the lens array unit 100 and the imaging apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 1A and the like will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the compound lens array 110 including the first lens array 10 of FIG. 1A is manufactured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, a common transparent substrate 111 is prepared for a plurality of lens arrays, and IR cut filter layers 11 c and 11 d are formed on the substrate surfaces 11 a and 11 b of the transparent substrate 111. The IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d are formed of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film. The IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d can be formed in a batch with the same film forming apparatus, for example. In addition, by forming the IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d on both sides of the transparent substrate 111, it contributes to suppression of warpage of the transparent substrate 111.

Next, a black photoresist layer 111r is formed by spin coating or the like so as to cover one IR cut filter layer 11c on the transparent substrate 111 (see FIG. 4B), and exposure and development are performed with a round hole mask. Then, a pattern such as the opening 14b is formed (see FIG. 4C). Thereby, the first pattern layer 114 including the aperture stop layer 14 is obtained. That is, as shown in FIG. 8A and the like, the first pattern layer 114 including the aperture stop layer 14 having the circular openings 14b arranged in a lattice point shape is obtained.

Next, a black photoresist layer 111r is formed by spin coating or the like so as to cover the other IR cut filter layer 11d on the transparent substrate 111 (see FIG. 5A), and exposure and development are performed with a square hole mask. Then, a pattern such as an opening 15b is formed (see FIG. 5B). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8B and the like, the second pattern layer 115 including the auxiliary aperture layer 15 having a plurality of rectangular openings 15b arranged in a lattice point is obtained. Each opening 15b formed in the auxiliary aperture layer 15 is provided in a narrow region that is within the effective region EA3 of the second lens element 13e to be formed later, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 8C. However, the opening 15b has a contour that partially protrudes from the effective area EA3 of the second lens element 13e as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in a range in which interference does not occur between the adjacent imaging elements 51. You can also.

Next, the first resin layer 12 and the second resin layer 13 are formed on a pair of surfaces of the substrate member 119 in which the IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d and the pattern layers 114 and 115 are formed on the transparent substrate 111 ( (See FIG. 5C).

Specifically, a pretreatment such as a hydrophilization treatment is performed on the surfaces 111a and 111b of the substrate member 119. Next, a transfer mold (not shown) having optical transparency is prepared, and an energy curable resin material is individually supplied onto the separated transfer surface corresponding to the first lens element 12e. One surface 111a of the substrate member 119 is brought close to and pressed with a predetermined pressure. Similarly, another transfer mold (not shown) having optical transparency is prepared, and an energy curable resin material is individually supplied onto the separated transfer surface corresponding to the second lens element 13e, and the transfer mold is supplied to the transfer mold. On the other hand, the other surface 111b of the substrate member 119 is brought close to each other and pressed with a predetermined pressure. As a result, the substrate member 119 is sandwiched between the pair of transfer molds via the resin material. Thereafter, the substrate member 119 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays or the like from behind the pair of transfer molds to cure the resin sandwiched between the substrate member 119 and the pair of transfer molds, and thereby the first and second resin layers 12, 13, the pair of transfer molds are released from the substrate member 119 side (see FIG. 5C). Thereby, a composite lens array 110 in which a plurality of (for example, 2 × 2) first lens arrays 10 are connected in the surface direction can be obtained. The first resin layer 12 includes a large number of first lens elements 12e, and the second resin layer 13 includes a large number of second lens elements 13e and a certain number (4 × 4 in this example). And a spacer portion 113s surrounded by

In parallel with or before or after the above, the compound lens array 120 including the second lens array 20 of FIG. 1A is manufactured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, a common transparent substrate 121 is prepared for a plurality of lens arrays, and a black photoresist layer 121r is formed so as to cover the surface (substrate surface 21b) of the transparent substrate 121. As shown in FIG. 6B, patterns such as openings 25b are formed by exposure and development using a square hole mask (see FIG. 6B). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8D and the like, the second pattern layer 125 including the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 having a plurality of rectangular openings 25b arranged in a lattice point shape is obtained. As already described, each opening 25b constituting the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is narrower than the effective area EA1 of the image sensor 51 and the effective area EA2 of the second lens element 23e (see FIG. 3).

Next, the first resin layer 22 and the second resin layer 23 are formed on a pair of surfaces of the substrate member 129 on which the second pattern layer 125 is formed on one side of the transparent substrate 121 (see FIG. 6C).

Specifically, the surface of the substrate member 129 (substrate surface 21a) is subjected to a pretreatment such as a hydrophilic treatment. Next, a transfer mold (not shown) having optical transparency is prepared, and an energy curable resin material is individually supplied onto the separated transfer surface corresponding to the first lens element 22e. One surface (substrate surface 21a) of the substrate member 129 is brought close to each other and pressed with a predetermined pressure. Similarly, another transfer mold (not shown) having optical transparency is prepared, and an energy curable resin material is individually supplied onto the separated transfer surface corresponding to the second lens element 23e, and the transfer mold is supplied to the transfer mold. On the other hand, the other surface (substrate surface 21b) of the substrate member 129 is brought close to and pressed with a predetermined pressure. As a result, the substrate member 129 is sandwiched between the pair of transfer molds via the resin material. Thereafter, the substrate member 129 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays or the like from behind the pair of transfer molds to cure the resin sandwiched between the substrate member 129 and the pair of transfer molds, and the first and second resin layers 22, 23, the pair of transfer molds are released from the substrate member 129 side (see FIG. 6C). Thereby, a compound lens array 120 in which a plurality of second lens arrays 20 are connected can be obtained. The second resin layer 22 includes a large number of first lens elements 22e and spacer portions 122s surrounding the first lens elements 22e every predetermined number (4 × 4 in this example). The second resin layer 23 includes a large number of second resin layers 23. Second lens element 23e.

Next, the composite lens array 110 of FIG. 5C and the composite lens array 120 of FIG. 6C are joined by the adhesive 91, and the spacer 130 including the lower spacer 30 is joined by the adhesive 92 on the composite lens array 120 side. The optical array unit 100U is obtained (see FIG. 7A). Further, the imaging array unit 500U is bonded to the optical array unit 100U of FIG. 7A using the adhesive 93 (see FIG. 7B). As the adhesives 91 to 93, a photo-curable adhesive can be used. When using a photo-curing adhesive, as shown in FIG. 7C, by providing openings in the diaphragm layers 14, 15, 25 at positions corresponding to the spacer portions 13s, 22s and the lower spacer 30, The adhesives 91 to 93 can be easily cured by light irradiation.
Finally, the composite member or joined body U shown in FIG. 7B is divided by dicing or the like to obtain a plurality of (for example, 2 × 2) imaging devices 1000. The inside of the image pickup apparatus 1000 is hermetically sealed by bonding through the spacer portions 13 s and 22 s and the lower spacer 30. Note that the imaging device 1000 can be coated with a light-blocking protective film on the side surface and can be stored in a light-blocking holder.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the light-shielding stop layer having the opening 25b corresponding to the second lens element 23e on the image-side surface of the transparent substrate 21 constituting the second lens array 20 on the most image side. 25 is provided, the range of light emitted from the lens array unit 100 can be limited by the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 that can be easily manufactured. In particular, the plurality of openings 25b covered by the second lens element 23e each have a non-circular contour shape that matches the shape of the effective area EA1 on the imaging element 51 side, so that a single-eye image by the adjacent second lens element 23e is obtained. Can be prevented, and the arrangement density of the second lens elements 23e or the image sensor 51 can be increased. Here, the light blocking aperture layer 25 as described above is formed on the surface of the transparent substrate 21 and is integrated with the transparent substrate 21. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange a diaphragm after molding the lens part as a separate part, and problems relating to warpage and strength are unlikely to occur. Therefore, the lens array unit 100 and the imaging device 1000 incorporating the lens array unit 100 can be made thin and small. Further, since the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 is in close contact with the transparent substrate 21, even if the shape of the second lens element 23e is different from the shape of the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25, it is in close contact with the lens element 23e on the light incident side. Thus, the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 can be disposed, and it is not necessary to arrange the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 at an interval on the image side of the lens element as in a separate diaphragm member. Therefore, it contributes to the thinning of the lens array unit 100 and the imaging device 1000.

[Second Embodiment]
The lens array unit and the like according to the second embodiment will be described below. The lens array unit of the second embodiment is a modification of the lens array unit of the first embodiment, and items not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view for explaining the structure of an imaging apparatus incorporating the lens array unit of this embodiment. In the imaging apparatus 1000, an upper spacer 230 having a frame shape is disposed between the first and second lens arrays 10 and 20, similarly to the lower spacer 30. The upper spacer 230 is provided in place of the spacer portions 13s and 22s shown in FIG. 1A, and is used for adjusting the distance when the first lens array 10 and the second lens array 20 are joined. As described above, by determining the distance between the two lens arrays 10 and 20 using the spacers of the separate members, the second resin layer 13 of the first lens array 10 and the first resin layer 22 of the second lens array 20 are formed. When forming, it is not necessary to consider the formation of the spacer portion. Therefore, the accuracy required for molding is relaxed. Moreover, it is easy to accurately adjust the gap between the substrates by using a spacer manufactured with high accuracy.

[Third Embodiment]
The lens array unit according to the third embodiment will be described below. The lens array unit of the third embodiment is a modification of the lens array unit of the first embodiment, and items not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view for explaining the structure of an imaging apparatus incorporating the lens array unit of the present embodiment. In the imaging apparatus 1000, the second resin layer 13 provided on the image side of the first lens array 10 has a flat flange portion 13c between the plurality of second lens elements 13e. That is, the second resin layer 13 is not an individual drop but a sheet-like portion formed integrally. The flange portion 13c functions in the same manner as the spacer portion 13s shown in FIG. 1A and the like. The first resin layer 22 provided on the object side of the second lens array 20 has a flat flange portion 22c between the plurality of first lens elements 22e. That is, the first resin layer 22 is not an individual drop but a sheet-like portion formed integrally, and the flange portion 22c functions similarly to the spacer portion 22s shown in FIG. 1A and the like. The 1st lens array 10 and the 2nd lens array 20 are joined via the flange parts 13c and 22c. By adopting such a configuration, a separate spacer can be eliminated, the configuration is simplified, and it is advantageous for cost reduction. Moreover, since it is not necessary to drop individually the resin material used as a lens, manufacture becomes easy.

In the first to third embodiments, the light-shielding diaphragm layer may be provided on both the image-side surface and the object-side surface of the transparent substrate 21 on the most image side. In this case, the opening of the light-shielding stop layer provided on the object-side surface may have the same shape as the opening of the light-shielding stop layer provided on the image-side surface or a similar shape smaller than that. Furthermore, it may be a shape with rounded corners or a rounded shape.

[Fourth Embodiment]
The lens array unit according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. The lens array unit of the fourth embodiment is a modification of the lens array unit of the first embodiment and the like, and items not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 11 is illustrated with the object side facing down.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view for explaining the structure of an imaging apparatus incorporating the lens array unit of the present embodiment. In the case of this imaging apparatus 1000, the lens array unit 100 includes one lens array 410 and a filter plate 70 that is a parallel plate. For this reason, the light-shielding diaphragm layer 415 formed on the second resin layer 13 side of the lens array 410 has the same function as the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 shown in FIG. That is, the opening 15b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 415 has a non-circular shape like the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 shown in FIG. 3 and the like, and adjacent single-eye images do not overlap with the shape of the image sensor 51. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the opening 15b is a horizontally long rectangle and is narrower than the effective area of the second lens element 13e. The lens array unit 100 and the imaging element array 500 are assembled to a light-shielding holder 80 and fixed to each other.

Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the lens array unit 100 and the imaging apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

First, the composite lens array 110 including the lens array 410 is manufactured. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12A, a transparent substrate 111 is prepared, and as shown in FIG. 12B, a black photoresist layer 111r is formed so as to cover the substrate surface 11b of the transparent substrate 111 by spin coating or the like. . As shown in FIG. 12C, a pattern such as openings 15b is formed in the black photoresist layer 111r by exposure and development using a square hole mask. As a result, a pattern layer 415U including a light-shielding diaphragm layer 415 having rectangular openings 15b arranged in a lattice point like the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 or the openings 25b shown in FIG. 8D and the like is obtained. As already described, each opening 15b constituting the light-shielding diaphragm layer 415 is slightly narrower than the effective area EA1 of the image sensor 51 and the effective area of the second lens element 13e.

Next, the composite lens array 110 is obtained by forming the first resin layer 12 and the second resin layer 13 on a pair of surfaces of the substrate member 419 on which the pattern layer 415U is formed on one side of the transparent substrate 111 (FIG. 12D). reference). Since the formation method of the 1st resin layer 12 and the 2nd resin layer 13 is substantially the same as 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted here.
Thereafter, the compound lens array 110 shown in FIG. 12D is divided by dicing or the like to obtain a plurality of lens arrays 410 shown in FIG. 13A. A light shielding layer can be formed on the cut surface 4a and the side surface 4b of the lens array 410 by applying a light shielding material or the like.

Next, with respect to the holder 80 having a plurality of openings 80o in the form of lattice points corresponding to the lens elements 12e of the lens array 410, the lens array 410 so that the lens elements 12e are accommodated in the openings 80o of the holder 80. Are fixed to the holder 80 with an adhesive or the like (see FIG. 13B). The adhesive may be filled between the wall portion 81b of the holder 80 and the side surface of the lens array 410, or may be applied to the plate surface 81a in which the opening 80o of the holder 80 is formed. Further, a separately prepared filter plate 70 is fixed to the holder 80. At this time, the filter plate 70 is placed on the step portion 82 provided on the wall portion 81b of the holder 80 (see FIG. 13B). Thereafter, the lens array unit 100 including the lens array 410 and the holder 80 is sealed with the imaging device array 500 at the upper end of the wall portion 81b of the holder 80, and the both are overlapped and fixed with an adhesive or the like (see FIG. 13B). . Through the above steps, the imaging apparatus 1000 incorporating the lens array 410 can be manufactured.

The filter plate 70 is obtained by coating an IR cut filter layer 72 on both sides or one side of the transparent substrate 71. The IR cut filter layer 72 is formed of, for example, a dielectric multilayer film, similar to the IR cut filter layers 11c and 11d formed in the first lens array 10 of the first embodiment. In addition to the IR cut, the filter plate 70 can have another filter function.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The lens array unit according to the fifth embodiment will be described below. The lens array unit etc. of the fifth embodiment is a modification of the lens array unit etc. of the first and fourth embodiments, and matters not specifically described are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the imaging apparatus 1000 of the fifth embodiment, a light shielding film 75 is formed on one surface of the filter plate 70. The light shielding film 75 has a rectangular opening 75b in the same manner as the light shielding aperture layer 25 shown in FIG. 8D. The opening 75b reduces reflection at the filter plate 70 and suppresses stray light from entering the image sensor array 500 side. That is, stray light can be prevented more reliably by the light shielding film 75. Note that the image sensor 51 constituting the image sensor array 500 is protected by a cover glass.

FIG. 15A is a diagram illustrating a modification of the imaging apparatus 1000 illustrated in FIG. In this case, an antireflection film 52 a is formed on the cover glass 52 of the image sensor array 500. Thereby, it can prevent that multiple reflection arises between the cover glass 52 and filter board 70 which oppose, and causes a stray light. That is, stray light can be prevented from being generated by the filter plate 70 that is a parallel plate. Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, a light shielding film 75 can be formed on the surface of the filter plate 70 facing the cover glass 52 as in FIG. In this case, the light shielding film 75 has a role of reducing not only unintentional reflection but also reducing the light incident on the image sensor 51. In addition, in the imaging apparatus 1000 illustrated in FIG. 15B and the like, an AR coat can be formed on the surface of the filter plate 70.

Although the lens array unit and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present embodiment have been described above, the manufacturing method of the lens array unit according to the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, in the first embodiment or the like, the lens array unit 100 and the image sensor array 500 can be independently fixed to the holder 80 shown in FIG.

Further, the outlines of the openings 25b and 15b of the light-shielding diaphragm layers 25 and 415 are not limited to horizontally long rectangles, and can be various shapes depending on applications and specifications as long as they are non-circular.

Specifically, for an image sensor having a horizontally long effective area shape, shapes as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16F are conceivable. FIG. 16A shows a modification of the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 shown in FIG. The illustrated opening 25b has a rectangular outline with four corners removed from the opening 25b shown in FIG. The light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 and its opening 25b can be expected to have effects such as ease of manufacture and prevention of peeling from the substrate. Moreover, the opening 25b shown to FIG. 16B is another modification, and has a barrel shape or an oval outline. In the illustrated example, the side in the horizontal direction is linear and the side in the vertical direction is curved outward, but the side in the vertical direction is linear and the side in the horizontal direction is curved outward, Both the vertical and horizontal sides may be curved outward. The opening 25b shown in FIG. 16C is still another modified example, and has a pincushion-shaped contour. In the illustrated example, the side in the horizontal direction is linear and the side in the vertical direction is curved inward, but the side in the vertical direction is linear and the side in the horizontal direction is curved inward, Both the vertical and horizontal sides may be curved inward. An opening 25b shown in FIG. 16D is still another modified example and has an elliptical outline. For example, depending on the design of the optical system, it may be assumed that it is possible to exhibit better optical characteristics by making the aperture shape of the aperture different from a rectangular shape while taking a horizontal shape as a keynote. In such a case, it is expected that the optical performance is improved by adopting the aperture shapes as shown in FIGS. 16B to 16D. The above-described shapes in FIGS. 16A to 16D are horizontally long shapes. The opening 25b shown in FIG. 16E has an octagonal shape extended in the long side direction of the rectangle, and the opening 25b shown in FIG. 16F has a hexagonal shape extended in the long side direction of the rectangle. In the shapes of FIGS. 16A to 16F, the opening width on the narrow side along the y-axis is narrower than the opening width in the intermediate direction or diagonal direction inclined with respect to the x-axis and the y-axis.

FIGS. 17A to 17D show still another modified example of the opening 25b of the light-shielding diaphragm layer 25 shown in FIG. 3 and the like, and correspond to a mode in which the effective area EA1 of the image sensor 51 is a square. The opening 25b shown in FIG. 17A has a square outline. Moreover, the opening 25b shown in FIG. 17B has a square outline with four corners. The opening 25b shown in FIG. 17C has a barrel-shaped outline. In the illustrated example, the side in the horizontal direction is linear and the side in the vertical direction is curved outward, but the side in the vertical direction is linear and the side in the horizontal direction is curved outward, Both the vertical and horizontal sides may be curved outward. The opening 25b shown in FIG. 17D has a pincushion-shaped outline. In the illustrated example, the side in the horizontal direction is linear and the side in the vertical direction is curved inward, but the side in the vertical direction is linear and the side in the horizontal direction is curved inward, Both the vertical and horizontal sides may be curved inward. In the shapes of FIGS. 17A to 17D described above, the equal opening width along the x-axis and the y-axis is narrower than the opening width in the intermediate direction or diagonal direction inclined with respect to the x-axis and y-axis.

Further, the aperture stop layer 14, the auxiliary stop layer 15, the light blocking stop layers 25, 415, and the like can be applied to an object using not only spin coating but ink jet printing, silk screen printing, pad printing, and the like.

Further, in the above embodiment, the optical surface shape and the like of the lens elements 12e and 13e of the first lens array 10 can be appropriately changed according to the use and function. Further, the arrangement pattern of the lens elements 12e and 13e is not limited to the illustrated one, and can be appropriately set in consideration of workability and the like. Similarly, the optical surface shapes and the like of the lens elements 22e and 23e of the second lens array 20 can be appropriately changed according to the application and function, and the arrangement pattern of the lens elements 22e and 23e is not limited to that shown in the drawing. It can be appropriately set in consideration of workability and the like.

In addition, the manufacturing method of the first and second lens arrays 10 and 20 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and various methods not illustrated can be used.

Further, the imaging apparatus 1000 described in the above embodiment is not limited to the one in which the optical array unit 100U and the imaging array unit 500U are joined to form a composite member. For example, the individual first and second lens arrays 10 and 20 can be prepared in advance, and the first lens array 10, the second lens array 20, and the imaging element array 500 can be sequentially stacked.

In the above embodiment, the number of the first and second lens arrays 10 and 20 is not limited to two, and three or more similar lens arrays may be stacked.

Further, in the above embodiment, the outline of the opening 14b of the aperture stop layer 14 is not limited to a circle but may be a rectangle with a corner.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of lens elements 12e, 13e and the like are arranged two-dimensionally, but may be arranged one-dimensionally.

Claims (17)

1. A lens array unit in which one or more lens arrays having a plurality of lens elements arranged on at least the image side of a transparent substrate are arranged,
   A light-shielding stop layer having a plurality of openings respectively corresponding to the plurality of lens elements is provided on at least the image-side surface of the most image-side transparent substrate;
   Each lens element covers each opening and each opening edge of the light blocking diaphragm layer,
   The plurality of openings are lens array units each having a non-circular contour shape.
2. The plurality of openings have a symmetrical shape with respect to two orthogonal axes, and an opening width on the same or narrow side along the two axes is narrower than an opening width in an intermediate direction inclined with respect to the two axes. The lens array unit according to claim 1.
3. The plurality of openings have a symmetrical shape with respect to two orthogonal axes, and have a first opening width on a relatively wide side and a second opening width on a relatively narrow side along the two axes. Item 3. The lens array unit according to any one of Items 1 and 2.
4. The lens array unit according to claim 3, wherein a ratio between the first opening width and the second opening width is substantially equal to a ratio between a long side and a short side of a sensor to be combined with the lens array.
5. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a first lens array disposed relatively on the object side and a second lens array disposed on the most image side.
6. The first lens array is disposed on the most object side, and each of the plurality of lens elements formed in the first lens array is provided on at least the object side surface of the transparent substrate of the first lens array. The lens array unit according to claim 5, wherein an aperture stop layer having a plurality of corresponding openings is provided.
7. The lens array unit according to claim 6, wherein an auxiliary aperture layer having a plurality of apertures respectively corresponding to the plurality of lens elements is provided on the image side surface of the transparent substrate of the first lens array.
8. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the aperture of the aperture stop layer is a circle or a rectangle with a corner.
9. The lens array unit according to claim 7, wherein the opening of the auxiliary diaphragm layer has a shape substantially similar to the opening of the light-shielding diaphragm layer.
10. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the opening of the light-shielding diaphragm layer is a rectangle or a rectangle with a rounded corner.
11. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a parallel plate on the image side of the lens array on the most image side.
12. The lens array unit according to claim 11, wherein an antireflection film is provided on at least one surface of the parallel plate.
13. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein a light shielding film having a plurality of openings is provided on one surface of the parallel plate.
14. The lens array unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
    An imaging apparatus comprising: a sensor array disposed to face the lens array unit.
15. The imaging device according to claim 14, wherein an antireflection film is formed on a surface of the cover glass of the sensor array.
16. Forming a light-shielding diaphragm layer having a plurality of openings each having a noncircular contour shape on at least the image-side surface of the transparent substrate;
    Forming a plurality of lens elements so as to cover the edge of each opening on at least the side of the transparent substrate on which the light-shielding diaphragm layer is provided;
    A step of providing a spacer for defining the distance from the sensor array for receiving the light that has passed through the lens array in the lens array having the lens element so that the lens element covering the opening is closest to the image side. A method of manufacturing a lens array unit.
17. A plurality of lens array units are integrally manufactured by the manufacturing method according to claim 16 using a common transparent substrate having a size corresponding to the plurality of lens array units as the transparent substrate. Is bonded to a plurality of integrally manufactured sensor arrays, and a joined body of the plurality of lens array units and the plurality of sensor arrays is cut into individual units, thereby producing an image pickup apparatus.

Images