High-Detectivity Polymer Photodetectors with Spectral Response from 300 nm to 1450 nm

Polymer Photodetectors Optical sensing is used in a wide range of applications, such as low-light detection systems in cars and cameras. Most photodetectors have a limited spectral range and can only detect a narrow range of wavelengths. Gong et al. (p. 1665 , published online 13 August) developed polymer photodetectors with extremely broad spectral response and exceptionally high sensitivity that can exceed the response of an inorganic semiconductor detector at liquid helium temperature. A key aspect in the device design is the inclusion of blocking layers to reduce significantly the dark current or noise in the devices.