Belgium's Imec demonstrates lead-free quantum dot photodiode short-wave infrared sensor

The Belgian Microelectronics Research Center (imec) announced that it and its partners officially launched the first short-wave infrared (SWIR) image sensor prototype based on indium arsenide (InAs) quantum dots at the 2024 IEEE International Electronic Devices Conference (IEDM). This sensor not only breaks through the technical bottleneck, but also provides an environmentally friendly alternative to quantum dot technology that traditionally relies on heavy metals.


In the proof of concept of this short-wave infrared image sensor, imec demonstrated 1390nm imaging results, marking the first successful application of lead-free quantum dot technology in a photodiode. The birth of this technology solves the pain point of the first generation of quantum dots that usually use lead-containing materials. This short-wave infrared image sensor is capable of detecting outside the visible spectrum, providing better contrast and details, and is expected to play a greater role in many emerging fields such as facial recognition, eye tracking, and autonomous driving.

In traditional imaging technology, due to differences in the response of optical materials to reflections in different wavelength bands, researchers have found that shortwave infrared image sensors can effectively distinguish objects that appear to be the same to the human eye. , and can still maintain excellent performance in blurry and low-visibility environments. Compared with traditional image sensors, this short-wave infrared sensor demonstrates the ability to penetrate adverse environmental factors such as haze. This makes it have broad application potential in practical applications, especially in consumer electronics.

imec's short-wave infrared image sensor is integrated into existing CMOS readout circuits and production processes, making the sensor compact and low-cost. Pawel Malinowski, technical manager and head of imaging field at imec, said that this achievement lays the foundation for the development of second-generation quantum dot sensors, with the goal of achieving mass production in a green and environmentally friendly way. This lead-free design not only conforms to the increasing environmental awareness of modern consumers, but also paves the way for the popularization of short-wave infrared technology.

In addition, ams OSRAM, a member of the product partners, expressed the importance of replacing lead in traditional colloidal quantum dots with environmentally friendly materials. With the commercial prospects of this technology mature, short-wave infrared sensors will be used in robots, cars and AR/VR. Emerging applications in consumer electronics products.