To provide a solid-state imaging element capable of reducing degradation in the image quality of a picked up image while avoiding a decrease in numerical aperture and hence sensitivity by eliminating the need to dispose a plurality of photo-electric conversion parts within a pixel on the assumption that the solid-state imaging element also functions as a focal point detecting element, and to provide an imaging apparatus using the solid-state imaging element.
One focusing detection area 12 of the solid-state imaging element 2 includes: a plurality of first pixels 20 that receive and photo-electrically convert a luminous flux from the first area of the exit pupil of an imaging lens which is not substantially eccentric from the center of the exit pupil; and a plurality of second pixels 21(L) that are in the second area of the exit pupil substantially forming part of the first area and selectively receive and photo-electrically convert a luminous flux from the second area of the exit pupil eccentric in a predetermined direction from the center of the exit pupil. The first pixels 20 are used to obtain a pickup image. The second pixels 21(L) and the first pixels 20 in the vicinity of them are used to detect a focal point.
COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT
Satoshi Suzuki
Naoki Okochi
