TOP PAGE
ENGLISH
JAPANESE
|
CONNECT WITH US:
Home
About
Services
Contact
Log in
*
Home
Press release
Apr 16, 2021 20:00 JST
Source:
Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
Dye-based device sees the invisible
Devices that can see shortwave infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye, could soon become cheaper and more accessible to a broader consumer base.
TSUKUBA, Japan, Apr 16, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Scientists in Europe have designed an organic dye-based device that can see light waves in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) range. The device is easy to make using cheap materials, and is stable at high temperatures. The findings, published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, could lead to more widespread use of inexpensive consumer SWIR imaging and sensing devices.
In the upconversion device, shortwave infrared (SWIR) light with wavelengths beyond 1,000 nm is absorbed by the squaraine dye in the photodetector (PD), producing electrical charges. Charges flow into the organic light-emitting diode (OLED), where they recombine under the emission of visible light. This way, SWIR light, which cannot be detected by the human eye, is converted into visible light.
The human eye can only detect a very narrow segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, from around 400 to 700 nanometers. The SWIR region, on the other hand, extends from 1,000 to 2,500 nanometers. Specially designed cameras can take images of objects that reflect waves in the SWIR region. They are used for improving night vision, in airborne remote sensing, and deep tissue imaging. The cameras also help assess the composition and quality of silicon wafers, building structures and even food produce.
"These cameras are typically difficult to manufacture and are quite expensive, as they are made of inorganic semiconductor photodiode arrays interconnected with read-out integrated circuitry," says Roland Hany of the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology.
Hany worked with colleagues in Switzerland and Italy to design an organic dye-based 'SWIR upconversion device' that efficiently converts shortwave infrared light to visible light.
The device uses organic (materials made with carbon) components: a squaraine dye-coated flexible substrate combined with a fluorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED). When the dye absorbs SWIR waves, an electric current is generated and directly converted into a visible image by the OLED.
The team had to play with the molecular composition of several squaraine dyes to get them to absorb specific wavelengths. Ultimately, they synthesized squaraine dyes that absorb SWIR light beyond 1,200 nanometers and remained stable up to 200 degrees Celsius. The finished dye-based device performed stably for several weeks under normal laboratory conditions.
"All-organic upconverters could lead to applications that can't be realized with current technology. For example, invisible night vision devices can be directly integrated into car windscreens without affecting the visual field," explains Hany.
The team is now working on shifting the dye's absorption further into the SWIR range. They are also using machine learning techniques to find new dye molecules capable of sensing SWIR waves. Finally, the team aims to improve device stability and sensitivity.
Further information
Roland Hany
Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology
Email:
roland.hany@empa.ch
About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials Journal
Open access journal STAM publishes outstanding research articles across all aspects of materials science, including functional and structural materials, theoretical analyses, and properties of materials.
Dr. Yoshikazu Shinohara
STAM Publishing Director
Email:
SHINOHARA.Yoshikazu@nims.go.jp
Press release distributed by ResearchSEA for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.
Source: Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
Sectors: Electronics, Science & Nanotech
Copyright ©2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.
Related Press Release
A new spin on materials analysis
April 17 2024 22:00 JST
Kirigami hydrogels rise from cellulose film
April 12 2024 18:00 JST
Sensing structure without touching
February 27 2024 08:00 JST
Nano-sized probes reveal how cellular structure responds to pressure
November 21 2023 07:00 JST
Machine learning techniques improve X-ray materials analysis
November 17 2023 10:00 JST
A bio-inspired twist on robotic handling
November 14 2023 20:00 JST
GPT-4 artificial intelligence shows some competence in chemistry
October 17 2023 08:00 JST
Closing the loop between artificial intelligence and robotic experiments
August 24 2023 09:00 JST
Machine intelligence for designing molecules and reaction pathways
May 24 2023 09:00 JST
Face-down: Gravity's effects on cell movement
May 13 2023 00:00 JST
More Press release >>
Latest Press Release
Mitsubishi Motors Posts Record Sales in the Philippines in FY2023
Apr 24, 2024 13:56 JST
NEC Develops High-speed Generative AI Large Language Models (LLM) with World-class Performance
Apr 24, 2024 13:25 JST
Fujitsu SX Survey reveals key success factors for sustainability
Apr 23, 2024 10:25 JST
Fujitsu and METRON collaborate to drive ESG success: slashing energy costs, boosting productivity with new manufacturing industry solutions
Apr 22, 2024 16:09 JST
NEC Strengthens Commitment to Space Industry with Investment in Seraphim Space Venture Fund II
Apr 22, 2024 15:09 JST
Soft Space Launches the First and Only JCB Payment Gateway in Malaysia
Apr 22, 2024 15:00 JST
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing takes a one-two in Croatian thriller
Apr 22, 2024 10:47 JST
First-ever Mazda CX-80 Crossover SUV Unveiled in Europe
Apr 19, 2024 13:50 JST
Fujitsu develops technology to convert corporate digital identity credentials, enabling participation of non-European companies in European data spaces
Apr 19, 2024 10:17 JST
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NGK to Jointly Develop Hydrogen Purification System from Ammonia Cracking Gas
Apr 18, 2024 17:01 JST
Toyota Launches All-New Land Cruiser "250" Series in Japan
Apr 18, 2024 13:39 JST
Fujitsu and Oracle collaborate to deliver sovereign cloud and AI capabilities in Japan
Apr 18, 2024 11:14 JST
Eisai: Research on Treatments for Alzheimer's Disease Based on Its Pathological Mechanisms Recieves Award for Science and Technology (Research Category)
Apr 18, 2024 10:53 JST
All-New Triton Confirmed as First Double-Cab Pickup Truck to Achieve 2024 Five-Star ANCAP Safety Rating
Apr 18, 2024 09:22 JST
Eisai's Antiepileptic Drug Fycompa Injection Formulation Launched In Japan
Apr 17, 2024 16:17 JST
Honda Unveils Next-generation EV Series for China
Apr 17, 2024 12:15 JST
Lexus presents Time at the 2024 Milan Design Week
Apr 16, 2024 18:49 JST
Mitsubishi Corporation Announces Participation in a DAC Project in Louisiana, USA
Apr 16, 2024 14:36 JST
New circuit challenge for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
Apr 15, 2024 17:21 JST
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing back on asphalt for Croatian challenge
Apr 12, 2024 19:36 JST
More Latest Release >>