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Mechanically flexible mid-wave infrared imagers using black phosphorus ink films

Author

Listed:
  • Theodorus Jonathan Wijaya

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California
    Bunkyo-ku)

  • Naoki Higashitarumizu

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California)

  • Shifan Wang

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California
    University of Melbourne)

  • Shogo Tajima

    (University of California
    University of California
    Inc)

  • Hyong Min Kim

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California)

  • Shu Wang

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Dehui Zhang

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California)

  • James Bullock

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Tomoyuki Yokota

    (Bunkyo-ku)

  • Takao Someya

    (Bunkyo-ku)

  • Ali Javey

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    University of California
    University of California)

Abstract

The mid-wave infrared (MWIR) spectral range (λ = 3–8 μm) enables important sensing and imaging applications, including non-invasive bioimaging, night vision, and autonomous navigation. Commercial MWIR photodetectors are limited to rigid imagers based on heteroepitaxial materials. There is an emerging need for mechanically flexible MWIR imagers to broaden their functionality and practicality. Recently, photodetectors using van der Waals (vdW) black phosphorus (BP) flakes have demonstrated highly sensitive room-temperature photodetection. Additionally, vdW materials are solution-processable, facilitating scalable processing and flexible device fabrication. In this work, we present flexible MWIR imagers consisting of photodiodes fabricated on thin plastic substrates using BP ink films. We demonstrate mechanically robust responsivity up to 2.5-mm bending radii and after 5000 bending cycles. Leveraging this flexibility, we achieve full-azimuthal imaging, detecting directional light sources with precision. These results establish a scalable approach for large-area, conformable MWIR imaging and pave the way for integration with flexible electronics.

Suggested Citation

  • Theodorus Jonathan Wijaya & Naoki Higashitarumizu & Shifan Wang & Shogo Tajima & Hyong Min Kim & Shu Wang & Dehui Zhang & James Bullock & Tomoyuki Yokota & Takao Someya & Ali Javey, 2025. "Mechanically flexible mid-wave infrared imagers using black phosphorus ink films," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60942-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60942-8
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