Written by AZoOpticsSep 23 2020
Scientists have created the worlds first photodetector that can visualize all shades of light, in a prototype device that profoundly shrinks one of the most underlying elements of contemporary technology.
The function of photodetectors is to convert data carried by light into an electrical signal. They are used in a broad range of technologies, right from medical imaging to gaming consoles, fiber optic communication, and motion detectors.
At present, photodetectors are incapable of sensing more than one color in a single device. This means they have continued to remain slower and bigger than other technologies, similar to the silicon chip, that they combine with.
The new highly-efficient broadband photodetector built by RMIT University scientists is at least 1,000 times thinner than the smallest photodetector device available in the market.
In a major leap for the technology, the prototype device is also capable of seeing all shades of light between near-infrared and ultraviolet, paving the way for new opportunities to incorporate optical and electrical components on the same chip.
The innovative technology also paves the way for better biomedical imaging, improving early detection of health problems like cancer.
According to Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, the studys lead author and Ph.D. researcher, in photodetection technologies, creating a thinner material would mean compromising on performance.
But we managed to engineer a device that packs a powerful punch, despite being thinner than a nanometre, which is roughly a million times smaller than the width of a pinhead.
Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, Study Lead Author and PhD Researcher, RMIT University
In addition to reducing the size of medical imaging equipment, the ultra-thin prototype opens the door for low-light imaging, more effective motion detectors, and possibly faster fiber optical communication.
Smaller photodetectors in biomedical imaging equipment could lead to more accurate targeting of cancer cells during radiation therapy. Shrinking the technology could also help deliver smaller, portable medical imaging systems that could be brought into remote areas with ease, compared to the bulky equipment we have today.
Vaishnavi Krishnamurthi, Study Lead Author and PhD Researcher, RMIT University
The level of usefulness and versatility of photodetectors are largely dependent on three factors:their sensitivity to lower levels of light, their running speed, and the amount of the spectrum that can be detected by them.
Normally, when engineers have attempted to enhance the capabilities of a photodetector in one of those areas, at least one of the other features has been reduced. Existing photodetector technology depends on a stacked structure of three to four layers.
Individuals can visualize a sandwich made with bread, cheese, butter, and another layer of breadand irrespective of how good they are at squashing it, the sandwich will invariably have the same thickness of four layers, and if a layer is removed, the quality would be compromised.
The team from RMIT Universitys School of Engineering rejected the stacked model and explored how to use a nano thin layer (only a single atom thick) on a chip.
Most significantly, they did this without reducing the photodetectors speed, visibility, or low-light sensitivity of the spectrum.
The prototype device can deduce light ranging from deep ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths, rendering it sensitive to a wider spectrum than a human eye.
And it does this more than 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye.
A huge challenge for the researchers was to make sure that optical and electronic properties did not decline when the size of the photodetector was reduceda technological bottleneck that had formerly inhibited the miniaturization of light detection technologies.
Professor Sumeet Walia, chief investigator and Associate explained that the material usedtin monosulfideis economical and naturally abundant, making it advantageous for optoelectronics and electronics.
The material allows the device to be extremely sensitive in low-lighting conditions, making it suitable for low-light photography across a wide light spectrum.
Sumeet Walia, Chief Investigator and Associate Professor, RMIT University
Walia added that his team is currently exploring industry applications for their photodetector, which can be combined with present-day technologies, like CMOS chips.
With further development, we could be looking at applications including more effective motion detection in security cameras at night and faster, more efficient data storage, Walia concluded.
Krishnamurthi, V., et al. (2020) Liquid-metal synthesized ultra-thin SnS layers for high-performance broadband photodetectors. Advanced Materials. doi.org/10.1002/adma.202004247.
Source: https://www.rmit.edu.au
Read the rest here:
New Thin and Ultra-Fast Photodetector can See the Full Spectrum of Light - AZoOptics.com
- Micro Manufacturing [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Modeling and Simulation [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Electron Microscopy [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Metrology [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Calibration Services [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Micro Engineering [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Nanotechnology [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Creating nano-structures from the bottom up [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- Wichita State hands out new round of high-tech grants [Last Updated On: April 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 25th, 2012]
- URI Engineering Student Develops Self Healing Concrete - Video [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- NYS Senator Joseph A. Griffo Visits Clarkson University Nanoengineering [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Nano-subs built to grab and move oil spills [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Video: N.Y. lab creating jobs with nano-technology [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Nano-Subs Grab and Move Oil Spills [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- University of Toronto Engineering Welcomes New NSERC Chair in Multidisciplinary Design [Last Updated On: May 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 5th, 2012]
- Nano-Sensors for Explosive Detection -- University Collaboration Addresses Challenges in Explosive Detection [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Obama, Cuomo touring Nano college [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Obama, Cuomo bond over vision of economic future [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Kids visit Nano College after Obama [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Zyvex Technologies and ENVE Composites Introduce the World's First Nano-Enhanced Carbon Fiber ... [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- Listen Now [Last Updated On: May 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 16th, 2012]
- To Czech Industry, Everything Is Nano [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2012]
- Availability of hydrogen controls chemical structure of graphene oxide [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2012]
- Hydrogen Controls Chemical Structure of Graphene Oxide [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2012]
- Shocking Technologies Raises Additional $10.5 Million From Circuit Protection Leader Littelfuse [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2012]
- Nano-structured polymer-based materials from scrap [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2012]
- Journal Tips from the American Institute of Physics: May 24, 2012 [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2012]
- Synthetic nano-waste does not disappear [Last Updated On: May 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 25th, 2012]
- Attacks on Nuclear and Nano Science [Last Updated On: May 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 29th, 2012]
- Graphene quantum dots and nano-ribbons cleaved from graphene sheets [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2012]
- Girls Inc.and SEFCU to provide internships at Nano College [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2012]
- Nano technology improves health field [Last Updated On: June 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 2nd, 2012]
- Tiny satellites will use Kinect to dock with one another [Last Updated On: June 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2012]
- New nano-research leads to sensors that detect contaminants in water [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2012]
- Editorial: State sets example on economy, bipartisanship [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2012]
- MP girl ‘Gargi Pare’ brings laurels to State [Last Updated On: June 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 6th, 2012]
- Element Six and Harvard University Collaboration on Nano-Engineered Synthetic Diamond Sets a New Quantum Information ... [Last Updated On: June 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 8th, 2012]
- Business at a glance [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2012]
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico Chooses Nanoprofessor as Foundation for New Nanoscience Education Program [Last Updated On: June 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 11th, 2012]
- Nanoparticles found in moon glass bubbles explain weird lunar soil behaviour [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2012]
- Nanoparticles found in moon glass bubbles explain weird lunar soil behavior [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2012]
- Nanoparticles can solve mystery of Moon's topsoil [Last Updated On: June 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 13th, 2012]
- Nano-Technologies Extended to Coax [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2012]
- Shocking Technologies Raises Additional $10.5M From Circuit Protection Leader Littelfuse [Last Updated On: June 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2012]
- NIT-T professor gets over Rs. 2.15 crore to stall erosion in pipes [Last Updated On: June 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 18th, 2012]
- Northeastern University Nanomanufacturing Center Director Ahmed Busnaina to Present Webinar on “The Democratization of ... [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- NIT Silchar convocation [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Government Initiative and High R&D Activities Drive the Nanotechnology Market in India [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2012]
- Scientist unlocks the quantum secrets of the moon's bizarre soil, which hangs suspended above the surface when touched [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2012]
- Nano-infused paint can detect strain [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2012]
- "Proceedings of the IEEE" Hosts Centennial Engineering Innovation Forum in DC to Unveil Advanced Technologies ... [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2012]
- Nanotech paint can show stress and strain [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2012]
- Tatas developing an under $ 20,000 electric car [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2012]
- Now, nano-infused paint to detect strain in buildings, bridges and airplanes [Last Updated On: June 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 22nd, 2012]
- Nano-sandwich technique slims down solar cells, improves efficiency [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2012]
- Team develops world's most powerful nanoscale microwave oscillators [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2012]
- UCLA-led research team develops world's most powerful nanoscale microwave oscillators [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: MEMS, NANO and Smart Systems - Selected papers from the 2011 7th International Conference on ... [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2012]
- A step toward minute factories that produce medicine inside the body [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2012]
- Green feel for collaboration with China [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2012]
- Fibrous Protein Nanocomposites Conference [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2012]
- Going For Gold: The Brains Behind Team GB [Last Updated On: July 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: July 4th, 2012]
- NANO Connect Offers International Perspective With South Korean Nanotechnology Education Leader [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- Hardide appoints a Business Development Manager [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- Regenerative Medicine Biotech Company, Eqalix, Names Scientific Advisory Board [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2012]
- Quinn uses nanotechnology summit to praise Wheeling High School [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2012]
- Cal Poly Licenses CubeSat Technology to Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- Improving nanometer-scale manufacturing with infrared spectroscopy [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- KYOCERA Introduces New Milling Cutters For CNC Machining Featuring Inserts with Proprietary MEGACOAT NANO Technology [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- iFixit opens up the new iPod nano [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Call to assess safety of nano particles [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Special Program at SPE ANTEC® Mumbai Will Focus on Nano-Scale Carbonaceous Materials [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- NUS launches Aerospace Systems initiative for engineering students [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2012]
- Life After MESA - University of California, San Diego - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2012]
- Toulouse, capitale européenne des nanotechnologies du 16 au 20 septembre 2012. - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2012]
- Techno Frühstück - Correspondence of Heart and Beat - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2012]
- CVTC Engineering Programs Commercial - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2012]
- DISSECTED FROG - BIOLOGY LAB FOR NANO ENGINEERING - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2012]
- Renault looking to build an upmarket rival to the Tata Nano, but it will still be very cheap [Last Updated On: December 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: December 5th, 2012]
- 'Nano' opens at Discovery Museums [Last Updated On: December 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2012]