RPI ID: 2019-045-401
Innovation Summary: A hybrid ultraviolet-detection fiber is described, constructed as a multilayered coaxial structure including a conductive core, hole-transport and electron-blocking first layer, a dual‑submaterial photoactive layer, an electron‑transport and hole‑blocking second layer, and a transparent electrode. Under reverse bias, the layered band structure suppresses dark current while enabling strong UV‑triggered carrier generation that yields photocurrent densities at least three orders of magnitude above the dark threshold. Material combinations—including perovskite Cs₂SnCl₆ (optionally Bi‑doped) and organic transport polymers such as PVK or TAPC—support high detectivity around 10¹⁵ Jones, ultrafast sub‑microsecond response, and broad dynamic range. Flexible conductive fibers (e.g., graphene‑based) allow the architecture to be integrated into lightweight or wearable UV‑sensing platforms.
Challenges / Opportunities: Conventional UV photodetectors rely on silicon, SiC, or GaN p–n photodiodes, which can be costly, limited in detectivity, and generally rigid. PMTs achieve high sensitivity but require high voltages and are bulky with poor UV–visible rejection. There is growing need for compact, low‑voltage, flexible detectors capable of extremely high detectivity for applications such as environmental monitoring, flame sensing, and aerospace communication. This hybrid fiber design presents an opportunity to deliver PMT‑level performance at significantly lower voltage and size, enabling next‑generation wearable or embedded UV‑sensing systems.
Key Benefits / Advantages: ✔ Detectivity on the order of 10¹⁵ Jones ✔ Response time < 1 microsecond ✔ Low operating voltage (< 20 V) ✔ Flexible conductor enables wearable/structural integration ✔ High UV selectivity via layered electron/hole blocking design ✔ Scalable coating processes (dip, spray, spin, electrochemical, self‑adsorption)
Applications: • Wearable UV sensors for health and environmental exposure monitoring • Flame detection and early warning safety systems • UV spectroscopy and optoelectronic sensing elements • Aerospace or defense UV‑based communication and plume detection systems • Lightweight, distributed UV detection in textiles or structural composites
Keywords: UV photodetector, hybrid fiber, perovskite, high detectivity, flexible electronics, multilayer optoelectronics
Intellectual Property: Issued US patent no. US12152935B2