Video-Rate Infrared Focal Plane Array Based on Solution-Processed Black Phosphorus Films

NU 2025-012

INVENTORS

• Hooman Mohseni*
• Mark Hersam*
• Simone Bianconi
• Vinod Sangwan

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This innovation demonstrates a video-rate infrared focal plane array fabricated by integrating solution-processed black phosphorus films with modified CMOS read-out integrated circuits, enabling high-performance mid-infrared imaging.

BACKGROUND

Conventional infrared imaging systems rely on custom-grown crystalline semiconductor alloys and complex flip-chip bonding methods for integration with CMOS electronics, resulting in scalability, yield, and cost challenges. Recent research highlights low-dimensional materials as promising alternatives to overcome these hurdles, with solution-processed materials providing a more cost-effective and versatile platform for large-area devices.

ABSTRACT

This invention leverages liquid phase exfoliation to produce stable dispersions of self-passivated black phosphorus flakes, which are then assembled into robust films using a carbon nanotube scaffold for improved mechanical integrity. The films are directly transferred to a modified CMOS ROIC featuring a high density of electrically isolated pixels. The resulting focal plane array, comprising over 70,000 functional pixels, delivers a fast video-rate response time of less than 10 ms and achieves a noise-equivalent irradiance below 10⁻⁵ W/cm² at 2 µm and 10⁻⁴ W/cm² at 3.4 µm—parameters that meet the demands of advanced mid-infrared video imaging.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

The global market for spectroscopy IR detectors was valued at over $224 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9%, driven by the ongoing need to upgrade existing devices and the development of new biological applications (Source: MarketsandMarkets, 2023).

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

TRL-4 - Prototype Validated in Lab: Key functions have been demonstrated using a laboratory-scale prototype under simulated fuel cell conditions.

APPLICATIONS

• Infrared video imaging: Enables real-time infrared video capture for surveillance and security.
• Flexible imaging systems: Suits innovative designs on curved or flexible substrates.
• Industrial thermal monitoring: Provides cost-effective thermal detection for process management.
• Scientific instrumentation: Facilitates high-resolution mid-infrared imaging in research settings.

ADVANTAGES

• Scalable fabrication: Offers a simpler, large-area manufacturing process compared to conventional methods.
• Cost-effective integration: Eliminates the need for complex flip-chip bonding, reducing production costs.
• Fast response time: Achieves video-rate performance with sub-10 ms pixel response.
• High sensitivity: Demonstrates low noise-equivalent irradiance suitable for high-quality infrared imaging.

PUBLICATIONS

• Hooman Mohseni*, Mark Hersam*, Simone Bianconi, Vinod Sangwan, Video-Rate Infrared Focal Plane Array Based on Solution-Processed Black Phosphorus Films ACS Photonics, 4 March 2025.

IP STATUS
Patent Pending