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Infrared sensors used for
the Infrared imaging process involves multiple technologies to view the
complete range (low, mid and high) of Infrared spectrum. These infrared sensors
detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum
(9–14 µm) and they produce the images of that radiation, called as thermograms.
Thermograms are used for medical purposes to monitor blood pressure, chemical
imaging, building inspection, non-destructive testing or military applications
to see in the dark
Engineers at the University
of Michigan used a material, graphene, to develop infrared sensors which when
inserted in contact lenses will provide the user with night vision. This
material, graphene, is formed from a single layer of carbon atoms, and can
detect the full spectrum of light, including infrared. The Infrared sensor detects
light by measuring the behavior of electrons and changes in current between two
layers of the material separated by an insulator.
Usually infrared sensors
such as those found in night-vision goggles require bulky cooling to prevent
the devices overheating, increasing their size. However, the graphene sensors
do not require cooling so can be produced as small as a fingernail and
developed to be tinier still. Owing to their small size, the sensors could be
embedded into contact lenses or mobile phones camera lenses and used to create
imagery in completely dark environments.
The
following transcript is taken from the journal Nature Nanotechnology;
"The challenge for the
current generation of graphene-based detectors is that their sensitivity is
typically very poor," Zhaohui Zhong said. "It's a hundred to a
thousand times lower than what a commercial device would require. Even though
the technology has already been scaled down, don't expect night vision contact
lenses in the next few years. Sensitivity and performance still needs to be
improved, and it'd require lots of work to build a product that could function
properly outside of the lab. "
The device is described in a
paper titled "Graphene photo detectors with ultra-broadband and high
responsivity at room temperature," which appears online. The launch of
infrared contact lenses just like in some spy or Sci-Fi movie can be anticipated
to be near than far.
Related Report:
· Infrared Sensors Market Analysis: By Range (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, FWIR); Types (PIR, Thermopile, Pyroelectric, Photo Reflector); Application (Automotive, Healthcare, Semiconductors, Telecommunications, Manufacturing) - Forecast (2015-2020) https://www.industryarc.com/Report/119/infrared-sensors-market-report.html