Organic photoreceptor

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor unit (200) for detecting a light beam, comprising: a plurality of organic photoreceptors (203) and at least one computing unit (207), wherein each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors is configured to generate a voltage depending on the type and intensity of incident radiation, and each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors is directly connected to the at least one computing unit as a corresponding signal source. The at least one computing unit is configured to generate an image from the plurality of organic photoreceptors or from information determined by the electrical pulses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit for detecting a light beam, a sensor system, a method for manufacturing a sensor unit according to the invention, a testing method for verifying the material structure of a component using the sensor unit according to the invention, and an image acquisition method for acquiring image information using the sensor unit according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] In order to detect a beam of light, for example, so-called charge coupled devices are often used, which are also referred to as CCD sensors. CCD sensors are often arranged on a rigid substrate and are geometrically limited depending on their type. In addition, CCD sensors are often limited in terms of spatial resolution.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are known which are activated in the presence of a voltage and can be used to represent image information on a display unit. OLED-based display units can be bent or curved without losing their functionality. Summary of the invention

[0004] In this context, a sensor unit for detecting a light beam is proposed. The sensor unit comprises a number (e.g. a plurality) of organic photoreceptors and at least one computing unit. It is provided that each of the number of organic photoreceptors is configured to generate a voltage or an electrical pulse depending on the type and intensity of radiation incident on the respective photoreceptor. It is further provided that each of the number of organic photoreceptors is directly connected to the at least one computing unit as a respective signal source.

[0005] Other advantages and embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0006] In the context of the present invention, an organic photoreceptor refers to an element comprising an organic phase which at least partially consists of an organic semiconductor material and which generates a voltage when the element is illuminated, ie exposed to a beam of light, such as a light beam or an X-ray beam.

[0007] In particular, the organic photoreceptor refers to an element constructed according to the principle of an organic light emitting diode.

[0008] The organic photoreceptor provided according to the present invention generates a varying voltage depending on radiation incident on the organic photoreceptor or generates a varying electric pulse depending on incident radiation incident on the organic photoreceptor.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, a beam or radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation. For example, the radiation may be thermal radiation, light such as ultraviolet light, infrared light or light visible to humans, and X-ray radiation.

[0010] In the context of the present invention, a direct connection between the individual photoreceptors provided according to the invention and the computing unit provided according to the invention refers to a connection that does not run via an intermediate layer, such as a CCD sensor. Thus, the direct connection provided according to the invention between the organic photoreceptors and the computing unit uses the voltage generated or output by the respective organic photoreceptor directly as a signal source for further processing by the computing unit. Of course, the voltage signal output by the organic photoreceptor can be prepared before being processed by the computing unit, i.e., for example, the voltage signal can be filtered by a filter. However, in the present sensor unit, no processing by a CCD sensor or CCD element occurs.

[0011] In a possible embodiment of the sensor unit, it is provided that each photoreceptor of the number of organic photoreceptors is configured to detect radiation in a wavelength range of 10 picometers to 100 cm.

[0012] In particular, the present sensor unit is suitable for detecting X-ray radiation and / or light visible to humans.

[0013] In one example, a respective organic photoreceptor of the several photoreceptors provided according to the invention is arranged as an at least partially organic layer on a carrier layer, which at least partially organic layer may for example consist of organic and inorganic materials. Thus, in this example, a continuous layer of organic photoreceptors is applied, which shows a very fine spatial resolution, i.e., a very high spatial resolution of a few micrometers.

[0014] By using the organic photoreceptors provided according to the invention, the effect known as "blooming" in CCD sensors can be avoided, since the organic photoreceptors are not subject to "overloading" or interaction between the individual photoreceptors. By directly wiring the organic photoreceptors provided according to the invention to the respective computing units, overloading of the CCD sensor can be prevented, since all electrical changes from the photoreceptors can be "drained" immediately by such direct wiring. Direct wiring of the organic photoreceptors to the respective computing units avoids obstacles caused by the CCD sensor with respect to the electrical signals on the path of the electrical signals to the respective computing units.

[0015] In a possible embodiment of the sensor unit it is provided that each of the several organic photoreceptors is configured to detect at least one type of radiation from the following list of radiation types: X-ray radiation, radar radiation, light visible to humans, ultraviolet light and infrared light.

[0016] Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention comprises a camera system having several (e.g., a plurality) of organic photoreceptors and at least one computing unit, which are aggregated into a sensor unit, e.g., according to the present invention. Here, it is provided that individual photoreceptors of the several organic photoreceptors are configured to generate a voltage or an electrical pulse depending on the type and intensity of radiation incident on the individual photoreceptors. Furthermore, it is provided that individual photoreceptors of the several organic photoreceptors are directly connected to the at least one computing unit as a signal source, and that the at least one computing unit is configured to generate an image from the information and / or the electrical pulses determined by the several organic photoreceptors.

[0017] In a possible embodiment of the sensor unit, it is provided that each photoreceptor of the several organic photoreceptors or at least one photoreceptor of the several organic photoreceptors has a corresponding organic layer for each type of radiation to be detected.

[0018] By using multiple different organic layers or different types of organic photoreceptors, the present sensor unit can be configured to detect different types of radiation, for example, X-ray radiation and light visible to humans.

[0019] In this regard, each individual photoreceptor may include multiple layers, such as organic layers.

[0020] Different types of radiation may be detected in parallel or simultaneously.

[0021] Alternatively, for example, in the case where not all photoreceptors have a plurality of the above-mentioned layers, the sensor unit may be switched from a first mode, for example, in which only those organic photoreceptors suitable for detecting a first beam type such as an X-ray beam are used, to a second mode, for example, in which only those organic photoreceptors suitable for detecting a second beam type such as light visible to humans are used. For this purpose, for example, switching between different photoreceptors may be possible. For example, signals from a first photoreceptor or a group of first photoreceptors configured only to detect the first beam type in the first mode and signals from a second photoreceptor or a group of second photoreceptors configured only to detect the second beam type in the second mode may be received or processed by the corresponding computing unit.

[0022] In a further possible embodiment of the sensor unit, it is provided that individual photoreceptors of the number of organic photoreceptors are arranged on a surface which is curved at least some of the time during operation of the sensor unit.

[0023] By using curved surfaces, i.e. surfaces with concave and / or convex curvatures, a sensor geometry can be created which results in a particularly advantageous beam path. In this way, for example, by using a convex surface on which the individual organic photoreceptors are arranged, a panoramic information flow can be generated. This means that the organic photoreceptors can receive light beams from a particularly wide-angle area.

[0024] By using a concave surface on which the individual organic photoreceptors are arranged, an information stream with multiple viewpoints can be generated. This means that by using a concave surface, multiple lenses can be simulated, for example, typical lenses in a stereo camera system. Thus, by using a concave surface, objects located in a representative space can be located, since information from multiple viewpoints can be compared, so that the current position of the object can be inferred, for example, by triangulation.

[0025] In a possible example, it is provided that each individual organic photoreceptor is used as a separate perspective sensor, so that by the combination of information or electrical pulses determined by the organic photoreceptors, an image similar to or identical to the image obtained by means of an insect eye (ommatidium) is obtained, in which the individual electrical pulses of the individual photoreceptors are collated into an overall image, wherein all the electrical pulses are processed independently of one another, for example in a computing unit.

[0026] In a further possible embodiment of the sensor unit of the invention, it is provided that the sensor unit comprises at least one actuator which is configured to bend the surface at least in certain areas and at least at certain times.

[0027] By means of actuators such as piezoelectric elements, for example a surface such as a plastic layer carrying an organic photoreceptor provided according to the invention can be deformed and, for example, bent into a concave and / or convex shape at least in some areas.

[0028] In another aspect, the invention comprises a sensor-actuator system having a number (e.g., a plurality) of organic photoreceptors and at least one computing unit. It is provided that each of the number of organic photoreceptors is configured to generate a voltage or an electrical pulse depending on the type and intensity of radiation incident on the respective photoreceptor. It is further provided that each of the number of organic photoreceptors is directly connected to the at least one computing unit as a signal source. Furthermore, the sensor-actuator system comprises an actuator configured to move and / or deform, i.e., bend, rotate, slide or extend, e.g., a surface on which a plurality of organic photoreceptors are arranged.

[0029] In another possible embodiment of the sensor unit, it is provided that individual ones of the several organic photoreceptors are arranged on a first side of a carrier film and that electronic circuits for connecting individual ones of the several organic photoreceptors to at least one computing unit are arranged on a second side of the carrier film.

[0030] In one example, a carrier film such as a plastic foil or a composite sheet may have organic photoreceptors on a first side facing, for example, the environment, and circuits on a second side opposite the first side that transmit electrical pulses from the individual photoreceptors to the corresponding computing units. The carrier film may have organic and / or inorganic layers.

[0031] In this regard, the circuit can be printed on the carrier film.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the individual organic photoreceptors may be vapor deposited on a carrier film.

[0033] In one example, the carrier film is permanently bent. In another example, the carrier film is bent at least in some areas at certain times (eg, by using an actuator such as a piezoelectric crystal).

[0034] In another possible embodiment of the present sensor unit, the carrier film is part of a display unit in a mobile computing unit.

[0035] When the present sensor unit is used as part of a display unit in a mobile computing unit (e.g. a smartphone), the individual organic photoreceptors may be powered at a first point in time in order to represent image information, and may be used as a sensor unit for detecting a light beam at a second point in time. Here, it may be provided that, for example, part of all photoreceptors in the sensor unit are used for representing image information, and in parallel, another part of the photoreceptors are used for detecting a light beam.

[0036] In another aspect, the invention relates to a layer made of several organic photoreceptors configured as organic LEDs (OLEDs) both for representing information and for detecting light beams, depending on the operating mode.

[0037] In a further possible embodiment of the sensor unit of the invention, it is provided that individual photoreceptors of the plurality of organic photoreceptors are configured at least for detecting X-rays.

[0038] By using an organic photoreceptor as a sensor for detecting X-ray radiation, the scintillator conventionally applied when using a CCD sensor can be dispensed with.Thus, by using an organic photoreceptor as a sensor for detecting X-ray radiation, the loss of incident radiation energy due to a respective scintillator is avoided.

[0039] When an organic photoreceptor is used as a sensor for detecting X-ray radiation, the organic photoreceptor may be illuminated directly, ie without using a filter or a scintillator.

[0040] In a further possible embodiment of the sensor unit of the invention, it is provided that the sensor unit is designed as a camera system.

[0041] Using the present sensor unit, a camera system can be provided which records, for example, moving images as a video camera or still images as a picture camera.

[0042] In another possible embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the camera system has a curved carrier structure, on which individual photoreceptors of the several organic photoreceptors are arranged.

[0043] By using a curved carrier structure, for example, panoramic images or multi-view images can be realized.

[0044] The support structure may be, for example, hemispherical or completely spherical.

[0045] In another possible embodiment of the sensor unit, it is provided that several of the plurality of organic photoreceptors are configured as insect eyes for generating pixels.

[0046] In another possible embodiment of the present sensor unit, it is provided that at least one mirror is arranged behind the several organic photoreceptors in the incident direction of each light beam incident on the sensor system, and each organic photoreceptor among the several organic photoreceptors is configured to amplify the light beam incident on the sensor system relative to the at least one mirror.

[0047] For example, it can be provided that the carrier layer on which the individual organic photoreceptors are arranged is mirrored, ie is provided with a mirror-reflecting surface.

[0048] By arranging one or more mirrors behind each organic photoreceptor in the incident direction of the corresponding light beam, the incident light beam can be at least partially reflected and, as a result, the “light yield”, i.e. the amount of light beam to be received or detected by the organic photoreceptor, can be maximized.

[0049] Depending on the number and arrangement of the respective mirrors or reflective surfaces, for example, different focal lengths of the optical system can be achieved.

[0050] In one example, one mirror can be provided as a main receiver and one mirror can be provided as a correction receiver. By means of the correction receiver, errors in the main receiver can be corrected by inverse errors (zero corrector). To this end, the correction receiver can be adjusted individually, i.e., depending on the optical properties of the main receiver.

[0051] In another aspect, the invention relates to a light amplification system with several organic photoreceptors. It is provided that the light amplification system comprises at least one calculation unit, wherein, depending on the type and intensity of the incident radiation, each of the several organic photoreceptors is configured to generate a voltage. Here, it is provided that each of the several organic photoreceptors is directly connected to the at least one calculation unit as a signal source. In this respect, it is further provided that, in the direction of incidence of the light beam incident on the organic photoreceptor, at least one mirror is arranged behind the organic photoreceptor, which mirror reflects the incident light beam at least partially back to the corresponding organic photoreceptor.

[0052] A light amplification system equipped with at least one mirror or a sensor unit according to the invention in combination with at least one mirror is suitable, for example, for use as a telescope or in a telescope. For example, a plurality of mirrors can be arranged so that the incident light is directed onto one or a selected number of organic photoreceptors. The individual mirrors can also be arranged around the organic photoreceptors, i.e., in an elevated position relative to the organic photoreceptors in the direction of incidence of the incident light beam.

[0053] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a sensor system having a sensor unit according to the invention and a beam source.

[0054] By combining the present sensor unit with a beam source, a sensor system suitable for detecting properties of an object can be provided. During the illumination of the object by the beam source, the beam emitted by the beam source is diffracted or scattered. Thus, the radiation to be detected by the sensor unit changes depending on the electromagnetic properties of the object.

[0055] In a possible embodiment of the sensor system of the invention, it is provided that the beam source is configured at least to emit or radiate X-ray radiation.

[0056] By means of a beam source which emits X-ray radiation, the material quality can be determined, for example by examining the object for fine cracks.

[0057] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing the present sensor unit, wherein individual ones of the several organic photoreceptors and / or electronic circuits for connecting individual ones of the several organic photoreceptors to at least one computing unit are printed on a carrier film.

[0058] In a possible embodiment of the method, it is provided that individual photoreceptors of the number of organic photoreceptors are vapor deposited on a carrier film.

[0059] In one example, the organic photoreceptor may be vapor deposited onto the carrier film using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method.

[0060] In another aspect, the invention relates to a test method for verifying the material structure of a component, wherein a light beam is directed onto the component by a light beam source. In the test method, the light beam reflected by the component and / or the light beam passing through the component is detected by an embodiment of the sensor unit. The quality of the component is evaluated based on the detected light beam.

[0061] In another aspect, the invention relates to an image acquisition method for detecting image information, wherein an environment is detected by means of a possible embodiment of the sensor unit.

[0062] In a possible embodiment of the image acquisition method, it is provided that the object to be detected is irradiated with a light beam source. Furthermore, it is provided that during the detection process, the light beam source is moved around the object independently of the sensor unit or together with the sensor unit. In a first alternative, it can be provided that the object is rotated while the light beam source and the sensor unit remain stationary. In a second alternative, a relative movement of all elements, i.e. the object, the sensor unit and the light beam source, relative to one another can be provided.

[0063] In another possible embodiment of the present image acquisition system, it is provided that individual photoreceptors of the plurality of organic photoreceptors of the sensor unit are arranged on a surface which is convex and / or concave in at least some areas. Furthermore, it is provided that a position determination of the object representation in the image is performed based on the image obtained using the photoreceptors arranged in a concave shape, using the known positions of the multiple viewpoints caused by the concave shape.

[0064] By means of a sensor unit which is recessed at least in some areas, it is possible to record images of the environment from multiple angles, so that the effect results corresponding to the images are recorded by multiple cameras or stereo cameras. With the knowledge of the exact position of the corresponding viewpoint caused by the concavity, the position of the object detected by the sensor unit configured in this way in the corresponding environment can be determined, i.e. the position of the object can be determined.

[0065] For example, an object can be triangulated from the known positions of two viewpoints.

[0066] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those still to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively cited combination but also in other combinations or as independent features without departing from the context of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The present invention is schematically shown in the drawings based on exemplary embodiments and is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a photoreceptor according to the prior art.

[0069] Figure 2A possible embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention is shown.

[0070] Figure 3 An embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention is shown which has a convex curvature.

[0071] Figure 4 An embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention is shown which has a concave curvature.

[0072] Figure 5 A possible embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention as part of a display unit in a mobile computing unit is shown.

[0073] Figure 6 A possible embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention as part of a camera is shown.

[0074] Figure 7 A possible embodiment of a sensor system according to the invention is shown.

[0075] Figure 8 A possible embodiment of the production method according to the invention is shown.

[0076] Fig. 9 A possible embodiment of the test method according to the invention is shown.

[0077] Fig.10 A possible embodiment of the image acquisition method according to the invention is shown.

[0078] Fig.11 A possible embodiment of an organic photoreceptor is shown as a possible embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention.

[0079] Fig.12 A possible embodiment of an organic photoreceptor of a possible embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention is shown, which is essentially laterally surrounded by a diffusion-proof housing.

[0080] Fig.13 A possible embodiment of an organic photoreceptor of a possible embodiment of a sensor unit according to the invention is shown, which is substantially completely surrounded by a diffusion-proof housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] In Fig. 1, a photoreceptor 100 according to the prior art is depicted. Here, as indicated by arrows 101, the incident radiation is first guided through an organic layer 103 and then reaches a CCD sensor 105. The electrical pulses emitted by the CCD sensor 105 are transmitted to a computing unit 107 for further processing. The organic layer serves, for example, to amplify or filter the incident radiation.

[0082] exist Figure 21 , a possible embodiment of a sensor unit 200 is depicted. The sensor unit 200 comprises a carrier layer 201 on which an organic photoreceptor 203 is arranged. The organic photoreceptor is directly connected to a computing unit 207 via electrical wires 205. In one example, incident radiation, i.e., for example, X-ray radiation, radar radiation, light visible to humans, ultraviolet light or infrared light, or radiation with a wavelength of 10 picometers to 100 cm, as indicated by arrows 209, causes a voltage change in the organic photoreceptor 203. This voltage change is transmitted directly to the computing unit 207 via electrical wires 205 and can be processed there as a sensor signal. Thus, in contrast to the photoreceptor 100 shown in FIG. 1 , no CCD sensor is required.

[0083] exist Figure 3 , a convex curved sensor unit 300 is depicted with a carrier layer 310 and a photoreceptor layer 320. The photoreceptor layer 320 is directly connected to a computing unit 330. Here, the sensor unit 300 is hemispherical. By the convex shape of the sensor unit 300, a particularly wide-angle exposure field can be achieved, so that the sensor unit 300 can provide a particularly wide-angle recording image or a panoramic recording image of the environment.

[0084] exist Figure 4 , a concave curved sensor unit 400 is depicted with a carrier layer 410 and a photoreceptor layer 420. The photoreceptor layer 420 is directly connected to a computing unit 430. Due to the concave shape of the sensor unit 400, different viewpoints 401 and 403 are realized. According to the principle of a stereo camera, the viewpoints 401 and 403 can be used to determine an object detected by the sensor unit 400, i.e. for position determination, for example by using triangulation methods to determine the position of the object.

[0085] exist Figure 5 , a sensor unit 500 is shown which is constructed as part of a display unit 501, i.e. part of a touch screen of a mobile computing unit 503 in the form of a smartphone. Thus, the entire area of ​​the display unit 501 can be used as a receiver or sensor for detecting radiation.

[0086] Of course, it is conceivable that only a portion of the organic photoreceptor 505 is arranged on the display unit 501 as a sensor for detecting radiation / light beams, and another portion of the organic photoreceptor 505 is arranged on the display unit 501 to depict image information by supplying electrical power to the organic photoreceptor 505 arranged on the display unit 501.

[0087] It is conceivable that at a first point in time, the organic photoreceptor 505 arranged on the display unit 501 is used as a sensor for detecting radiation / light beams, so that an electrical pulse is transmitted from the organic receiver to the computing unit 507. In addition, it is conceivable that at a second point in time, the electrical pulse is transmitted from the computing unit 507 to the organic receiver so that the organic photoreceptor is used as a pixel representing image information.

[0088] exist Figure 6 , a camera 600 is depicted. The camera 600 is equipped with Figure 2 A sensor unit 200 is shown.

[0089] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 7 , a sensor system 700 is depicted. The sensor system 700 includes, for example, Figure 2 An embodiment of the present sensor unit 200 and a beam source 701 are depicted in FIG.

[0090] By means of a beam source 701 emitting X-ray radiation, for example, a defined beam (i.e. a beam having a defined path) is irradiated onto an object to be examined 703. The beam is scattered by the object 703, so that based on the scattering of the beam detected by the sensor unit 200, conclusions can be drawn about various properties of the object 703.

[0091] Of course, the beam source 701 can also be integrated into the sensor unit. In particular, it can be provided that a portion 705 of the organic photoreceptor 707 in the sensor unit 200 is used as a beam source and another portion 709 of the organic photoreceptor 707 is used as a sensor to detect radiation / beam reflected by the object 703.

[0092] exist Figure 8 In the figure, a method for manufacturing a Figure 2 800 is a method for manufacturing a sensor unit as depicted in FIG.

[0093] In a start step 801, an organic phase is vapor deposited, for example, onto a first side of a carrier film made of plastic. Here, for example, a PVD method can be used.

[0094] In a wiring step 803 , electronic circuits are printed on the second side of the carrier film for connecting the organic phase to the computing unit.

[0095] exist Fig. 9 , the process sequence of the test method 900 is depicted.

[0096] In the placing step 901, the object is placed between the beam source and the beam source, such as Figure 2 Between the sensor units shown.

[0097] In an irradiation step 903, the object is irradiated with a beam pulse by means of a beam source. The beam pulse is scattered or diffracted by the object. Alternatively or additionally, the beam pulse may be attenuated.

[0098] In a detection step 905, radiation scattered by the object is detected by a sensor unit and converted into image information. In case of attenuation of the radiation pulse in the irradiation step 903, the attenuated beam pulse may be detected by the sensor unit 905 similar to an X-ray device.

[0099] In an evaluation step 907 , an automated algorithm evaluates the state of the object based on a comparison with a reference database.

[0100] exist Fig.10 , an image acquisition method 1000 is depicted.

[0101] In the detection step 1001, such as in Figure 2 The organic photoreceptor in the sensor cell shown is illuminated for a defined period of time.

[0102] In an evaluation step 1003 , the sensor values ​​obtained by the organic photoreceptors are converted into pixels by a computing unit in the sensor unit and a corresponding image is created.

[0103] exist Fig.11 , a sensor unit 1100 is depicted. The sensor unit 1100 consists of a plurality of layers 1101 to 1115, which in particular comprise wavelength modulators and which form, for example, organic photoreceptors.

[0104] In the context of the present invention, wavelength modulators are all those materials that absorb energy and emit it in the form of photons, which energy can then be absorbed by a light active layer (e.g. an OLED) which releases electrons in relation to its part. This means that a wavelength modulator that can be provided as part of a sensor unit according to a possible embodiment of the sensor unit 1100 at least partially converts incident radiation into photons or wavelengths optimized for the corresponding organic photoreceptor layer and thus increases the release of electrons by the organic photoreceptor layer compared to radiation without the wavelength modulator.

[0105] In design, the sensor unit 1100 may include at least one wavelength modulator or a combination of wavelength modulators based on the following principles: photoluminescence (absorption of visible light), thermoluminescence (absorption of heat), sonoluminescence (absorption of sound), electroluminescence (absorption of electrons), triboluminescence (absorption of mechanical deformation), chemiluminescence (absorption of energy through chemical reactions and biological like fluorescent protein GFP), scintillator (absorption of high energy radiation, gamma or particle radiation), fluorescence (absorption of photons and emission with a changed or at least the same wavelength Stokes shift) and / or phosphorescence (absorption similar to fluorescence but with delayed emission).

[0106] For example, a wavelength modulator for the infrared range may consist at least partially of gallium arsenide and / or indium gallium arsenide.

[0107] For example, a wavelength modulator for the ultraviolet range may be composed at least in part of the following materials or substances or a combination thereof:

[0108] Fluorescein (2-(6-hydroxy-3-oxo-(3H)-xanthene-9-yl)benzoic acid, C 20 H 12 O5), fluorescein sodium (C 20 H 10 Na2O5), acridine orange, zinc chloride (C 17 H 20 Cl3N3Zn), chromotropic acid disodium salt dihydrate (C 10 H6Na2O8S2*2H2O), calcein (C 30 H 26 O 18 ) and / or 1,2-o-phenylenediamine (C6H8N2).

[0109] For example, a wavelength modulator for the X-ray range may consist at least partially of the following materials and / or substances or a combination thereof:

[0110] Inorganic crystals:

[0111] Nal, Nal-Tl, Lil-EU, Csl, Csl-Tl, BaF2, CeF3, BGO (Bi4Ge3O 12 ), GSO(Gd2SiO5:Ce), PbWO4, CaF, CaF2(Eu)2, CaWO4, CdWO4, YAG(Ce)(Y3AL5O 12 (Ce)) and / or lutetium aluminum garnet (AL5Lu3O 12 )

[0112] Organic crystals:

[0113] Naphthalene, anthracene and / or trans-stilbene

[0114] Fluid solutions or plastics:

[0115] p-terphenyl, t-PBD, PPO(2,5-diphenyl azole), (C 15 H 11 NO), POPO (1,4-bis[2-(5-phenyl oxazolyl)]benzene) and / or C 24 H 16 N2O2

[0116] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment, the sensor unit 1100 includes a diffusion-proof housing 1101 which may be composed of, for example, parylene, SiOx, an electrode 1103, and an active wavelength modulator or scintillator 1105 which may be composed of, for example, Si(TI), NAI(TI) for X-ray beams or may be designed as a fluorescent light in order to modulate the beam in the ultraviolet range. In addition, the active wavelength modulator or scintillator 1105 may be designed as a receiver unit for radar beams or as GaAs for modulating infrared beams.

[0117] Furthermore, the sensor unit 1100 comprises a transparent electrode 1107, for example made of ITO, a light active layer 1109 which can be designed to absorb and / or emit, an additional transparent electrode 1111, for example made of ITO, a layer 1113 made of active thin film transistors (JFTS) and a substrate 1115, such as a transparent foil.

[0118] exist Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the individual layers 1101 to 1115 are depicted as waves. However, it is also conceivable that the layers may form another geometric shape, such as a plane or a complex three-dimensional structure, and at least partially overlap or at least partially interlock.

[0119] exist Fig.12 , a sensor unit 1200 having various layers 1103 to 1115 is shown. The sensor unit comprises a diffusion-proof shell 1220 which surrounds the layers 1103 to 1115 substantially laterally (i.e., along at least one edge 1210 extending substantially perpendicularly to the layers 1103 to 1115). The diffusion-proof shell 1220 may be made of, for example, polyparaxylene, SiO x or any other technically suitable material composition.

[0120] exist Fig.13In FIG. 1 , a sensor unit 1300 having various layers 1103 to 1115 is depicted. The sensor unit 1300 includes a diffusion-proof shell 1310 that completely surrounds the layers 1103 to 1115. The diffusion-proof shell 1310 may be made of, for example, polyparaxylene, SiO x or any other technically suitable material composition.

Claims

1. A sensor unit (200, 300, 400, 500) for detecting a light beam, comprising: - a number of organic photoreceptors (203, 505) and - at least one computing unit (207, 503), in, Each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors is configured to generate a voltage dependent on the type and intensity of incident radiation, and wherein each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors is directly connected to the at least one computing unit as a corresponding signal source via a direct connection, the direct connection being used to immediately discharge electrical changes from each photoreceptor to the at least one computing unit without passing through a charge coupled device sensor; Wherein, the at least one computing unit is configured to generate an image based on the electrical changes from the respective photoreceptors.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors is configured to detect radiation within a wavelength range of 10 picometers to 100 cm.

3. The sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each photoreceptor of the number of organic photoreceptors is configured to detect at least one radiation type from the following list of radiation types: X-ray radiation, radar radiation, light visible to humans, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 3, wherein: At least one photoreceptor of the number of organic photoreceptors has a corresponding organic layer for each type of radiation to be detected.

5. The sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein: Individual ones of the number of organic photoreceptors are arranged on a surface that is curved at least some of the time during operation of the sensor unit.

6. The sensor unit according to claim 5, wherein: The surface is concave and / or convex at least in some areas.

7. The sensor unit according to claim 5, wherein: The sensor unit comprises at least one actuator configured to bend the surface at least in certain areas and / or at least at certain times.

8. The sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7, wherein: Each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors is arranged on a first side of a carrier film (201), and Therein, an electronic circuit (205) for connecting each of the several organic photoreceptors to the at least one computing unit is arranged on the second side of the carrier film.

9. The sensor unit according to claim 8, wherein: The carrier film is part of a display unit (501) in a mobile computing unit (503).

10. The sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9, wherein: The sensor unit is configured as a camera system (600).

11. The sensor unit according to claim 10, wherein: The camera system has a curved carrier structure on which individual photoreceptors of the number of organic photoreceptors are arranged.

12. The sensor unit according to claim 11, wherein: The carrier structure is a hemisphere.

13. The sensor unit according to any of the preceding claims 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11, having a plurality of organic photoreceptors, wherein several of the plurality of organic photoreceptors are configured as insect eyes for generating pixels.

14. The sensor unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11, wherein: In the incident direction of the light beam incident on the several organic photoreceptors, a layer that at least partially reflects the light beam is arranged behind the several photoreceptors.

15. A sensor system (700) comprising a sensor unit (200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and at least one light beam source (701).

16. The sensor system of claim 15, wherein: The beam source is configured to emit at least X-ray radiation.

17. A method for manufacturing a sensor unit (200, 300, 400, 500) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: Each of the several organic photoreceptors (203, 505) and / or an electronic circuit (205) for connecting each of the several organic photoreceptors to the at least one computing unit (207, 503) is printed on a carrier film (201).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Individual ones of the plurality of organic photoreceptors are vapor deposited on the carrier film.

19. An image acquisition method for acquiring image information, wherein: An environment is detected by a sensor unit (200, 300, 400, 500) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

20. The image acquisition method according to claim 19, wherein: A beam source (701) is used to automatically illuminate an object to be inspected.

21. The image acquisition method according to claim 20, wherein: During the detection process, the beam source and / or the object and / or the sensor unit are moved relative to each other.

22. The image acquisition method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: Each of the plurality of organic photoreceptors (203, 505) in the sensor unit is arranged on a concave surface at least in some areas, and Therein, on an image obtained by the photoreceptors being arranged in a concave shape, position determination of an object depicted in the image is performed using known positions of a plurality of viewpoints due to the concave shape.

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