Photoelectric Conversion Device Buffer Layer Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoelectric conversion devices face challenges in enhancing the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio due to reduced pixel size, leading to increased dark current and decreased sensitivity, particularly when using organic photoelectric conversion films with inorganic blocking layers, which fail to sufficiently improve the S/N ratio.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a buffer layer with an organic molecule or halogen element coordinated to the interface between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electrodes, terminating surface states and reducing dark current generation, thereby enhancing the S/N ratio and external quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large external voltage is applied to the photoelectric conversion film, then external quantum efficiency increases, but dark current increases and S/N ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
An organic molecule layer is introduced as an intermediary between the photoelectric conversion film and the electrode. This molecular layer acts as a mediator that prevents direct electron injection from the electrode into the photoelectric conversion film, thereby suppressing dark current while allowing the application of sufficient voltage to maintain external quantum efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the interface properties between the photoelectric conversion film and electrode by introducing an organic molecule layer with specific energy levels. This parameter change at the interface modifies the electron injection characteristics, creating a barrier that reduces dark current generation while maintaining photoelectric conversion efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an inorganic electron blocking layer and hole blocking layer are provided between the photoelectric conversion layer and electrodes, then dark current is prevented, but S/N ratio improvement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces bulky inorganic blocking layers with a thin organic molecule layer that is deposited directly on the photoelectric conversion film surface. This molecular layer, though thin and organic rather than inorganic, effectively suppresses dark current through its interfacial properties, achieving better S/N ratio improvement than traditional inorganic blocking layers.
3Area of stationary object
If pixel size is reduced for imaging units, then device integration is improved, but the number of photons entering each pixel decreases, reducing sensitivity and S/N ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the photoelectric conversion efficiency parameter by introducing the organic molecule layer at the interface. This enhances the external quantum efficiency, allowing smaller pixels to capture sufficient photons and maintain sensitivity and S/N ratio despite reduced pixel area.
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
The proposed solution effectively reduces dark current and improves the S/N ratio and external quantum efficiency, leading to enhanced device characteristics in photoelectric conversion devices and imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
having an interface, to which an organic molecule or a halogen element is coordinated, with the photoelectric conversion layer
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric conversion layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A photoelectric conversion device of an embodiment of the technology includes: a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other; a photoelectric conversion layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a buffer layer provided between the first electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer, and having an interface, to which an organic molecule or a halogen element is coordinated, with the photoelectric conversion layer.