A method for fabricating a back-illuminated semiconductor imaging device on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, and resulting imaging device is disclosed. The method for manufacturing the imaging device includes the steps of providing a substrate comprising an insulator layer, and an epitaxial layer substantially overlying the insulator layer; fabricating at least one imaging component at least partially overlying and extending into the epitaxial layer; forming a plurality of bond pads substantially overlying the epitaxial layer; fabricating a dielectric layer substantially overlying the epitaxial layer and the at least one imaging component; providing a handle wafer; forming a plurality of conductive trenches in the handle wafer; forming a plurality of conductive bumps on a first surface of the handle wafer substantially underlying the conductive trenches; and bonding the plurality of conductive bumps to the plurality of bond pads.