Imagine if they used one of these in a DSLR.  Just consider the
physical size/resolution capability of it.  Of course low ISO
speeds would only be usable, owing to noise, but imagine if
Pentax brought out another 110-sized DSLR based on one of these
products?  A DSLR you could pocket. And for tradition DSLR sizes,
image if their waferfab could turn out a full frame sensor with this
technology.  What would that be, around 140 megapixel image sizes??
Would there even be a lens good enough to use with it?
-Rich

May 18, 2005

Micron CMOS image sensor has smallest pixel size

By Yoshiko Hara    
TOKYO — Micron Technology Inc. has developed a CMOS image sensor which
the company claims has the smallest pixel size for imagers.

Micron's 1.7- x 1.7-micron image sensor is the sixth generation on its
roadmap after a 2.2-micron version. The latest version is scheduled to
hit the market next year. When produced in volume, however, the
1.7-micron sensors will have a pixel size of 1.75 micron.

Micron is now offering a 2-megapixel sensor composed of 2.8- x
2.8-micron pixels in volume quantities. The company will begin volume
production of 3- and 5-megapixel sensors based on 2.2-micron
technology later this year.

According to Hisayuki Suzuki, Micron's senior marketing director for
imaging, "Shrinking pixel size enables higher resolution of about 8
megapixels. Making use of the high resolution, customers can have more
design freedom."

Micron is currently shipping as many as 10 million CMOS image sensors
a month. "We will surely become the top supplier of image sensors
within this year," Suzuki predicted.

Micron's strategy is to convert its depreciated DRAM lines for image
sensor production, give the company a cost advantage. While Japanese
competitors like Sony and Sharp building expensive new 300-mm wafer
lines for image sensor production, Micron can convert its obsolete
DRAM lines to mixed-product lines with a relatively small investment.