TMD Light-Gated Transistor for Optical Neuromorphic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensing devices for autonomous driving lack a light-responsive, neuromorphic transistor capable of high-speed information processing and neuromorphic characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A light-gated transistor (LGT) is developed with a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) light sensing layer, manufactured through a molten salt-assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition process, incorporating a substrate and electrodes to perform logical operations and simulate synaptic responses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sensing devices are used for autonomous driving, then device structure is simple, but they lack light-responsive neuromorphic characteristics and high-speed information processing capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneuromorphic characteristicsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) as a composite light sensing material that integrates both light sensing and neuromorphic computing functions. The TMD layer is deposited on a substrate and forms a multi-functional device structure that combines photodetection with synaptic-like behavior, enabling autonomous driving applications to benefit from both optical sensing and neuromorphic processing in a single integrated device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If TMD light sensing layer is formed using conventional methods, then manufacturing process is simple, but large-area uniform deposition and controlled flake formation are difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflake size controlVSAvoiddeposition process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with carefully controlled parameters including temperature gradients, pressure conditions, and precursor gas composition to achieve precise control over TMD flake size and uniformity. By optimizing deposition temperature, pressure, and gas flow rates, the process produces consistent large-area TMD flakes with controlled dimensions suitable for autonomous driving sensor applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If TMD flake size is reduced to achieve high sensitivity, then light sensing capability improves, but device area and light absorption efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight sensing sensitivityVSAvoidsensing area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional small flake structures to large-area TMD deposits while maintaining atomic-layer thickness. This dimensional approach allows the sensing layer to cover extensive areas for high light absorption efficiency while preserving the quantum confinement effects and high surface-to-volume ratio that provide superior light sensing sensitivity. The large-area deposition technique enables both high sensitivity and large sensing area simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 LGT exhibits high sensitivity to optical stimuli, enabling fast response times and neuromorphic functions, supporting advanced autonomous driving applications.

Implementation Method 1

forming a light sensing layer including at least one transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) flake on top of the substrate by heating each of the first heating furnace and the second heating furnace to different temperatures and performing molten salt-assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal chemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

performing molten salt-assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMolten salt-assisted thermal process: Melting

Implementation Method 3

a light-gated transistor (LGT) including a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) light sensing layer... The LGT exhibits high sensitivity to optical stimuli

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4615193A1Light-gated transistor including large-area transition metal dichalcogenide as light sensing layer and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 INDUSTRYACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION GYEONGSANG NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
  • EP4615193A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4615193A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d
  • EP4615193A1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

A transition metal chalcogenide flake manufactured by the molten salt-assisted thermal chemical vapor deposition method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be uniformly and evenly grown on a large-area substrate with a size of several to several hundred micrometers in scale, and a light-gated transistor using this as a light sensing layer can perform logical operations of AND, OR, and summation operations in response to light stimulation and enable a low-power synaptic operation response.