Flexible Photo-Detectors Near-Infrared Detection Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current photo-detector devices lack efficiency in detecting near-infrared and visible light, limiting their applications and the exploration of materials capable of light-stimulated charge carrier generation.

Innovation Solution

A flexible line structure comprising a first charge carrier-transporting body, a photosensitive body capable of generating charge carrier pairs under near-infrared or visible light, and a semi-transparent second charge carrier-transporting body, which forms an electrical circuit for detecting current generated by light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional photo-detector devices are used, then light detection is possible, but detection efficiency for near-infrared and visible light is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidlight detection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple charge carrier-transporting bodies with different material compositions and optical properties. The first body uses materials optimized for charge transport while the second body uses semi-transparent materials that allow near-infrared and visible light penetration, creating a composite system that simultaneously achieves high detection efficiency and material exploration capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The photo-detector is divided into distinct functional segments: a first charge carrier-transporting body for initial charge generation and transport, and a second charge carrier-transporting body that is semi-transparent to specific wavelengths. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall detection efficiency while maintaining flexibility in material selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid photo-detector structures are used, then stable electrical performance is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical performance stabilityVSAvoiddevice flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional rigid semiconductor substrates with flexible organic or polymer-based charge carrier-transporting bodies. These flexible materials maintain stable electrical performance through their inherent charge transport properties while enabling the device to be bent, stretched, or conformally arranged on various surfaces, thus achieving both stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from static rigid structures to dynamic flexible configurations. The flexible line structure can adapt its shape and positioning dynamically to suit different application requirements, such as conforming to curved surfaces or being integrated into wearable devices, while maintaining functional stability through the inherent properties of the charge carrier-transporting materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the detection of near-infrared and visible light by facilitating the generation and transmission of charge carrier pairs, improving the sensitivity and effectiveness of light detection in photo-detector devices.

Implementation Method 1

a photosensitive body over the first charge carrier-transporting body and extending along at least a part of the length of the flexible line, the photosensitive body capable of near-infrared light-induced or visible light-induced generation of charge carrier pairs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first charge carrier-transporting body extending along at least a part of the length of the flexible line... a second charge carrier-transporting body over the photosensitive body and extending along at least a part of the length of the flexible line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge carrier transport: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7847364B2Flexible photo-detectors

Publication Date: 2010.12.07 CACI LGS INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Apparatus including flexible line extending along a length. Flexible line includes first charge carrier-transporting body, photosensitive body over first charge carrier-transporting body, and second charge carrier-transporting body over photosensitive body. Each of first and second charge carrier-transporting bodies and photosensitive body extend along at least part of length of flexible line. Photosensitive body is capable of near-infrared or visible light-induced generation of charge carrier pairs. Second charge carrier-transporting body is at least semi-transparent to near-infrared light or visible light.