Solution Printed OTFT Driven Infrared Detectors

ABSTRACT: Leveraging Agiltron"s organic thin film transistor (OTFT) array design and printing technology and industrial leading developments and productions uncooled mid-infrared (mid-IR) detectors and detector arrays, we propose to develop a new class of high performance printed mid-IR detectors and detector arrays with integrated OTFT-based drive electronics. The approach is closely coupled with recent progress in solution processed nanocomposite-based electronic/photonic devices to push the sensor performance well beyond current state-of-the-art at low manufacturing cost. The nanocomposite-based solution printing process allows us to use an innovative device structure to effectively suppress dark current and photogenerated charge carrier regeneration. This innovative photodetector device structure can"t be realized by using a conventional lithography-based semiconductor process. In Phase I, we will design and produce photodetectors with the innovative structure via inkjet printing. Integration of photodiodes with the OTFT-based drive electronics will be designed and performed in Phase II. Fully integrated photodetector/OTFT prototype devices will be produced, both using inkjet printing, and tested for delivery to the Air Force. BENEFIT: All solution printed integrated uncooled photodetector with built-in drive electronics will revolutionize the mid-IR detectors and detector arrays for imaging and spectroscopy applications, expanding low cost consumer imaging devices to IR region. Industries typically rely on using a small number of high-priced IR spectrometers to handle the process-monitoring needs. Though a single system can be used to monitor several processes simultaneously through multiplexing, it is costly to set up and risky if equipment failure occurs. Extremely inexpensive uncooled IR spectrometers can be assembled to operate over the important 1-5 & #61549;m spectral range by using photodetector arrays with built-in drive electronics. The compact, affordable NMIR spectrometer should find many commercial applications in the areas of industry process control and analytical characterization of food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.