Semiconductor insulation for optical devices

Abstract

A method and apparatus for enclosing an optically active integrated circuit die mounted on a region of a printed circuit substrate within either a unitary optical plastic lens element and enclosure or a discrete lens element and enclosure formed with mechanical standoff tabs and positioning pins for attaching and securing the unitary or discrete enclosure to the circuit substrate. The mechanical tabs of the enclosure have catches that snap in place into receiving apertures in the substrate so as to position the molded plastic lens over the optically active integrated circuit device at a predetermined distance providing the desired focal length. The molded plastic lens of the optical plastic enclosure protects the optically active integrated circuit from damage and images light thereon or therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, the side walls of the plastic enclosure contact the surface of the substrate and enclose the die and the region that the die is mounted on. The remaining volume enclosed within the molded plastic enclosure and lens element may be filled with a transparent epoxy material to provide a unitary, sealed enclosure with the optically active integrated circuit die with the region on the substrate. Preferably, the optically active device is a photosensitive micro-electronic circuit element, e.g. a photosensor or a charge coupled device (CCD).