(Invited) emerging Designs for Organic Infrared Photodetectors and Energy Storage

Abstract

The shortwave infrared spectral region (SWIR: 1-3 mm) is particularly powerful for health and environmental monitoring, enabling greater penetration depth and improved resolution in comparison to visible light. However, conventional SWIR sensors are limited by complex die transfer and bonding processing. This presentation will discuss the advances made in organic infrared detectors to overcome the issues in conventional SWIR detectors. The organic devices show photo-response spanning from the visible to 1.7 micron, using a new generation of semiconducting polymers that are processed by solution processing techniques and allow simple direct deposition. We will discuss the recent progress in identifying avenues that will improve sensor detector, such as understanding the origin of efficiency losses and materials optimization. Several demonstrations will show the various potential applications of organic infrared imagers, particularly for an up-conversion structure that combine photo-sensing and display in a compact structure without the need for pixilation. The imaging active area of 2 cm2 enabled concurrent recording of blood vessel location and blood flow pulses.In addition to visualisation of infrared radiation, we are also developing the integration of redox polymers into supercapacitor structures to serve as energy supplies for wireless electronics. A new Faradaic electrode material comprised of a narrow bandgap donor−acceptor conjugated enhanced charge delocalization and thus improved stability dramatically. The supercapacitors were patterned by electrodeposition and showed a high areal power density of 227 mW/cm2, enabling rapid charging and high power output. The capacitance retention was 84% after 11,000 full redox cycles, offering the critical benefit of long cycle life. This work demonstrated the application of a new class of stable redox-active materials suitable to meet the energy storage needs for short-range wireless electronics.