a color image sensor has a plurality of pixels . on the pixels zero - order diffractive color filters are arranged . different zero - order dcfs , e . g ., dcfs transmitting red , green and blue light , respectively , are allocated to the pixels of the color image sensor . the use of dcfs for color imaging devices brings better defined band - pass or notch filters than the presently used lacquers . the dcfs are more stable with respect to time , temperature and any environmental aggression . the manufacture of the dcf pattern is simpler and cheaper than that of a conventional dye - filter pattern , since the different types of dcfs can be manufactured simultaneously .