Organic photodiodes presented at image sensor conference

Dan Rogers - 29 Mar 2011

Siemens presented organic electronic technology developed for image sensor applications at the recent Image Sensors Europe conference.

R&D division Siemens Corporate Technology revealed the results of its development of organic photodiodes, which could be used for image capturing in consumer electronics, medical devices and other imaging products.

Sandro Francesco Tedde, a researcher for Siemens Corporate Technology, presented on 'Organic and hybrid photodiodes for active matrix imaging' at Image Sensors Europe in London in March.

Large-area

While Tedde noted that the technology is not yet able to offer the high performance of traditional CMOS imaging devices, he suggested that the spray-coated devices could be competitive as a lower cost option for large-area applications, such as medical x-ray imaging.

The research group is now looking for partnership - either from a Siemens business unit or external partner - for more commercial developments.

Other applications for the technology include security - for instance, in night vision products - and solar energy. The ability to spray-coat the materials onto a substrate means it is suitable for many types of application, as various shapes can be accommodated in processing.

Consumer electronics

Image sensing has become increasingly important as many mainstream consumer electronics devices have adopted image sensors. A particularly important factor has been the integration of cameras into multi-function devices, such as laptops, mobile phones and tablet computers.

Lisa Walker, president of the International Imaging Industry Association, discussed new image rating standards for cameraphones. Validation testing for these standards will be completed in 2011.

This early step into standards for integrated cameras showed that imaging is now central to consumer electronics.

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