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In recent years there has been an increasing interest to integrate optical sensing in mobile displays, for instance, for biometric fingerprint scanning functionality. There are several routes to incorporate optical fingerprint functionality within the full display area, each with their own benefits and challenges. Here we investigate the different integration routes using large-area, ultra-thin imagers based on organic photodiodes.

Solution-processed photodetectors could be of use in large-area light-sensing applications because they can be fabricated at low cost on plastic substrates and their absorption spectra can be tuned by chemical design. However, fabricating photodetectors with low dark currents and integrating them into high-resolution backplanes remains challenging. Here we show that solution-processed metal halide perovskite photodiodes on top of an amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide transistor backplane can be used to create a flexible image sensor that is ~100 μm thick and has a resolution of 508 pixels per inch. We have developed a pixel edge cover layer for the system that reduces electrode current leakage and thus dark current density. The low noise current in combination with high external quantum efficiency results in high photodetectivity at wavelengths from 550 nm to 770 nm. We show that our imager can be used for document scanning and biometric fingerprinting and that it can be wrapped around objects with radii as small as 0.6 cm. Low-dark-current perovskite photodetectors can be integrated with an oxide transistor backplane to create a high-resolution optical scanning array capable of imaging flat and curved surfaces.

To realize the potential of artificial intelligence in medical imaging, improvements in imaging capabilities are required, as well as advances in computing power and algorithms. Hybrid inorganic–organic metal halide perovskites, such as methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3), offer strong X-ray absorption, high carrier mobilities (µ) and long carrier lifetimes (τ), and they are promising materials for use in X-ray imaging. However, their incorporation into pixelated sensing arrays remains challenging. Here we show that X-ray flat-panel detector arrays based on microcrystalline MAPbI3 can be created using a two-step manufacturing process. Our approach is based on the mechanical soft sintering of a freestanding absorber layer and the subsequent integration of this layer on a pixelated backplane. Freestanding microcrystalline MAPbI3 wafers exhibit a sensitivity of 9,300 µC Gyair–1 cm–2 with a μτ product of 4 × 10–4 cm2 V–1, and the resulting X-ray imaging detector, which has 508 pixels per inch, combines a high spatial resolution of 6 line pairs per millimetre with a low detection limit of 0.22 nGyair per frame.

Solution-processed organic photodetectors (OPDs) have witnessed great progress in the past few years. With silicon-like performance achieved, OPDs enable new medical imaging applications by offering cost-effective light detection over large area. Herein, we illustrate the compelling advantages of high spatial and temporal resolution OPD arrays for medical X-ray detectors and wearable pulse oximeters.

A curved image sensor on plastic foil has been developed for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) X-ray imaging. The image sensor of about 6 × 8 cm2 size has been built on a thin polyimide foil with an indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) backplane and an organic photodetectors (OPD) frontplane. A flexible cesium iodide (CsI) scintillator has been attached to the optical sensor with 480 × 640 pixels of 126 µm size. Dark current density of the OPD was low with less than 10−7 mA/cm2 at −2 V, while an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of about 50% was reached in the visible wavelength range matched to the scintillator output. The image quality of the digital X-ray detector allowed for 3D reconstruction images of a bone phantom on a rotating stage with a lab setup. The curved detector with 32 cm curvature radius opens up the path for very compact CBCT gantries with largely reduced footprint.

We combine a low dark current and high-detectivity near-infrared (NIR)-sensitive organic photodetector with a high-resolution 508 pixels per inch (ppi) oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane to create a large-area thin NIR detector, using processes that are compatible with flat-panel display fabrication. The detector is characterized showing high uniformity and linearity. With the use of a NIR light source, the detector is capable of imaging the (pattern of) veins under the skin in reflection, leading to improved biometric authentication.

To develop a detailed understanding about halide perovskite processing from solution, the crystallization processes are investigated during spin coating and slot-die coating of MAPbI3 at different evaporation rates by simultaneous in situ photoluminescence, light scattering, and absorption measurements. Based on the time evolution of the optical parameters it is found that for both processing methods initially solvent-complex-structures form, followed by perovskite crystallization. The latter proceeds in two stages for spin coating, while for slot-die coating only one perovskite crystallization phase occurs. For both processing methods, it is found that with increasing evaporation rates, the crystallization kinetics of the solvent-complex structure and the perovskite crystallization remain constant on a relative time scale, whereas the duration of the second perovskite crystallization in spin coating increases. This second perovskite crystallization appears restricted due to differences in solvent-complex phase morphologies from which the perovskite forms. The work emphasizes the importance of the exact precursor state properties on the perovskite formation. It further demonstrates that detailed analyses of multimodal optical in situ spectroscopy allows gaining a fundamental understanding of the crystallization processes that take place during solution processing of halide perovskites, independent from the specific processing method.

Low-dimensional perovskites attract increasing interest due to tunable optoelectronic properties and high stability. Here, it is shown that perovskite thin films with a vertical gradient in dimensionality result in graded electronic bandgap structures that are ideal for photodiode applications. Positioning low-dimensional, vertically-oriented perovskite phases at the interface with the electron blocking layer increases the activation energy for thermal charge generation and thereby effectively lowers the dark current density to a record-low value of 5 × 10−9 mA cm−2 without compromising responsivity, resulting in a noise-current-based specific detectivity exceeding 7 × 1012 Jones at 600 nm. These multidimensional perovskite photodiodes show promising air stability and a dynamic range over ten orders of magnitude, and thus represent a new generation of high-performance low-cost photodiodes.

Quality Assurance (QA) in hadron therapy is crucial to ensure safe and accurate dose delivery to patients. This can be achieved with fast, reliable and high-resolution detectors. In this paper, we present a novel solution that combines a triple Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) and a highly pixelated readout based on a matrix of organic photodiodes fabricated on top of an oxide-based thin-film transistor backplane. The first LaGEMPix prototype with an active area of 60 × 80 mm2 was developed and characterized using low energy X-rays. The detector comprises a drift gap of 3.5 mm, a triple-GEM stack for electron amplification, and a readout featuring 480 × 640 pixels at a 126 µm pitch. Here, we describe the measurements and results in terms of spatial resolution for various experimental configurations. A comparison with GAFCHROMIC® films and the GEMPix detector used in the charge readout mode was performed to better understand the contribution to the spatial resolution from both the electron diffusion and the isotropic emission of photons. The measurements were compared to Monte Carlo simulations, using the FLUKA code. The simulation predictions are in good agreement with the GEMPix results. Future plans with respect to applications in hadron therapy are discussed.

We present large-area photodetector arrays in combination with a thin-film optical collimator for under-display fingerprint authentication in next-generation smartphones. The fabrication is compatible with flat panel display processes and based on an oxide TFT backplane with a printed organic photodiode frontplane. The functionality behind an AMOLED display is demonstrated.

Patterning organic materials by photolithography enables not only high-resolution, side-by-side RGB OLED arrays, but also the introduction of organic photodetector in the same frontplane. We show patterned active matrix displays processed on flexible backplane. Furthermore, we demonstrate OPD patterning proof-of-concept. These are the building blocks allowing in-cell optical fingerprint sensor.

Solution-processed organic photodetectors (OPDs) have a great potential in light sensing and imaging applications. With this emerging technology reaching performances on par with amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photodiodes, market introduction is imminent. A major R&D focus in further development of OPD technology is therefore to demonstrate the advantages of organic photodiodes in high-resolution, flexible large-area photodetectors. After a survey of the OPD performance, and an introduction of the concepts of active-matrix detectors and their materials, we will present the recent developments at Holst Centre in realizing two prototypical applications, that is, curved X-ray detectors and biometric (fingerprint and palm) scanners.

Reflectance oximeters based on organic photodiode (OPD) arrays offer the potential to map blood pulsation and oxygenation via photoplethysmography (PPG) over a large area and beyond the traditional sensing locations. Here, an organic reflectance PPG array based on 16 × 16 OPD pixels is developed. The individual pixels exhibit near-infrared sensitivity up to ≈950 nm and low dark current density in the order of 10−6 mA cm−2. This results in high-quality PPG signals. Analysis of the full PPG waveform yields insight on the artery stiffness and the quality of blood circulation, demonstrating the potential of these arrays beyond pulse oximetry and heart-rate calculation.

We show a thin, flexible and large 500 dpi fingerprint sensor for security applications providing better usability than existing sensors with a similar performance. A new process flow, using PVDF-TrFE pyroelectric capacitors on top of an IGZO TFT backplane on a flexible polyimide (PI) foil is implemented to create an active thermal fingerprint sensor. The system measurements fit well with the simulation of the thermal operation.

Using flat-panel compatible processes we realized 6x8 cm, 200-ppi active-matrix imagers with solution-processed, ultrathin organic photodiodes and demonstrate its performance in a biometric palmprint detector.

We made and characterized an X-ray detector on a 25- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick plastic substrate that is capable of medical-grade performance. As an indirect conversion flat panel detector, it combined a standard scintillator with an organic photodetector (OPD) layer and oxide thin-film transistor backplane. Using solution-processed organic bulk heterojunction photodiode rather than the usual amorphous silicon, process temperature is reduced to be compatible with plastic film substrates, and a number of costly lithography steps are eliminated, opening the door to lower production costs. With dark currents as low as 1 pA/mm $^{2}$ and sensitivity of 0.2 A/W the OPD also meets functional requirements: the proof-of-concept detector delivers high-resolution, dynamic images at 10 frames/s, and 200 pixels/in using X-ray doses as low as $3~\mu $ Gy/frame.

We present recent developments on flexible a-IGZO TFT technology scaling in terms of TFT channel length and operating voltage, as well as manufacturing cost optimization with a focus on R2R processing compatibility. We present progress on the relevant technology building blocks; (i) R2R compatible TFT architecture, (ii) (multilevel) nanoimprint lithography and (iii) S-ALD deposited TFT materials. Additionally, we show a developing application that drives scaling of the technology, namely a monolithically integrated flexible AMOLED display with in-display fingerprint detection.

Recently, there has been considerable interest in the development of ultrasound based mid-air haptic feedback devices. These devices allow for tactile sensations to be induced at any position and time without constraints to human motion, which is useful for virtual user interfaces, augmented/virtual reality and feedback buttons. The haptic feedback mechanism is a combination of acoustic streaming and radiation force. Most work reported in literature induce said effects using matrices of 'standard' single element transducers, which are rigid, bulky and heavy. Our research focuses on the development of printed polymer transducers (PPTs): piezomembranes deposited using a printing process. As PPTs are fully flexible, < 0.25 mm thick and light, they can be easily integrated onto curved surfaces. However, the piezoelectric charge coefficients of P(VDF-TrFE) are low compared to regular PZT5A/H, making it challenging to achieve the required sound pressure. This work investigates the feasibility of using PPTs for haptic feedback using simulations and laser vibrometer- and acoustic measurements. The peak pressure produced by our chosen array design was calculated to amount to radiation forces approximately 10x larger than the tactile radiation force threshold reported in literature. Thus using PPTs for haptic feedback appears feasible. © 2018 IEEE.

Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have attracted much attention in recent years, due to their promise in large-area light sensing applications. Here, high-resolution slot-die-coated large-area bulk heterojunction organic photodiode (OPD) arrays are reported. The OPD uses a novel electron transport layer, indium gallium zinc oxide in combination with a molybdenum oxide top-electrode. Together, these effectively reduce dark current densities to very low levels of ≈10−7 mA cm−2 at −2 V. The OPDs show linear behavior in a wide range of light intensities and high detectivity values under reverse bias conditions. When coated on a 508 ppi TFT backplane, a high-quality optical fingerprint scanner capable of imaging in reflection is realized. The optical and electrical properties of the fingerprint sensor are characterized and high-resolution fingerprint images are obtained.

We demonstrate multilevel data storage in organic ferroelectric resistive memory diodes consisting of a phase-separated blend of P(VDF-TrFE) and a semiconducting polymer. The dynamic behaviour of the organic ferroelectric memory diode can be described in terms of the inhomogeneous field mechanism (IFM) model where the ferroelectric components are regarded as an assembly of randomly distributed regions with independent polarisation kinetics governed by a time-dependent local field. This allows us to write and non-destructively read stable multilevel polarisation states in the organic memory diode using controlled programming pulses. The resulting 2-bit data storage per memory element doubles the storage density of the organic ferroelectric resistive memory diode without increasing its technological complexity, thus reducing the cost per bit. Funding Agencies|Research Grant of Pukyong National University [CD20151148]

Ferroelectric materials are important components of sensors, actuators and non-volatile memories. However, possible device configurations are limited due to the need to provide screening charges to ferroelectric interfaces to avoid depolarization. Here we show that, by alternating ferroelectric and semiconducting nanowires over an insulating substrate, the ferroelectric dipole moment can be stabilized by injected free charge carriers accumulating laterally in the neighboring semiconducting nanowires. This lateral electrostatic coupling between ferroelectric and semiconducting nanowires offers new opportunities to design new device architectures. As an example, we demonstrate the fabrication of an elementary non-volatile memory device in a transistor-like configuration, of which the source-drain current exhibits a typical hysteretic behavior with respect to the poling voltage. The potential for size reduction intrinsic to the nanostructured hybrid layer offers opportunities for the development of strongly miniaturized ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Solution-processed organic ferroelectric resistive switches could become the long-missing non-volatile memory elements in organic electronic devices. To this end, data retention in these devices should be characterized, understood and controlled. First, it is shown that the measurement protocol can strongly affect the apparent retention time and a suitable protocol is identified. Second, it is shown by experimental and theoretical methods that partial depolarization of the ferroelectric is the major mechanism responsible for imperfect data retention. This depolarization occurs in close vicinity to the semiconductor-ferroelectric interface, is driven by energy minimization and is inherently present in this type of phase-separated polymer blends. Third, a direct relation between data retention and the charge injection barrier height of the resistive switch is demonstrated experimentally and numerically. Tuning the injection barrier height allows to improve retention by many orders of magnitude in time, albeit at the cost of a reduced on/off ratio. (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Funding Agencies|European Community [248092]

Organic electronics is becoming more and more important because the low level of fabrication and deposition complexity even at large scale makes it a good candidate for future low cost technological product development. P(VDF-TrFE) is a co-polymer of special interest due its ferroelectric property enabling usage in re-programmable non-volatile organic memory and magnetoelectric sensors. Piezo force microscopy (PFM) provides access to the technologically relevant ferroelectric polarisability and its remanent polarization via imaging of the piezoelectric property. Here we use PFM to show that piezoelectric response of a P(VDF-TrFE) film can be enhanced by up to 260 % after soft X-ray irradiation. This enhancement correlates with morphological change of part of the film, from amorphous to crystalline. An optimal irradiation dose is found above which the film gets eroded and the piezoelectric response gets lowered.

We demonstrate high performance X-ray imaging detectors on foil suitable for medical grade X-ray imaging applications. The detectors are based on solution-processed organic photodiodes forming bulk-heterojunctions from photovoltaic donor and acceptor blend. The organic photodiodes are deposited using an industrially compatible slot die coating technique with end of line processing temperature below 100° C. These photodiodes have extremely low dark leakage current density of 10-7 mA/cm2 at -2V bias with very high yield and have peak absorption around 550 nm wavelength. We combine these organic photodiodes with high mobility metal oxide semiconductor based thin film transistor arrays with high pixel resolution of 200ppi on thin plastic substrate. When combined with a typical CsI(TI) scintillator material on top, they are well suited for low dose X-ray imaging applications. The optical crosstalk is insignificant upto resolution of 200 ppi despite the fact that the photodiode layer is one continuous layer and is non-pixelated. Low processing temperatures are another key advantage since they can be fabricated on plastic substrate. This implies that we can make X-ray detectors on flexible foil. Those detectors can be mechanically more robust and light weight when compared to amorphous Si based detectors fabricated on glass substrate.

Ferroelectric polarization switching of poly(vinylidene difluoride-trifluoroethylene) is investigated in different thin-film device structures, ranging from simple capacitors to dual-gate thin-film transistors (TFT). Indium gallium zinc oxide, a high mobility amorphous oxide material, is used as semiconductor. We find that the ferroelectric can be polarized in both directions in the metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor (MFS) structure and in the dual-gate TFT under certain biasing conditions, but not in the single-gate thin-film transistors. These results disprove the common belief that MFS structures serve as a good model system for ferroelectric polarization switching in thin-film transistors. cop. 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Ferroelectric polymers and amorphous metal oxide semiconductors have emerged as important materials for re-programmable non-volatile memories and high-performance, flexible thin-film transistors, respectively. However, realizing sophisticated transistor memory arrays has proven to be a challenge, and demonstrating reliable writing to and reading from such a large scale memory has thus far not been demonstrated. Here, we report an integration of ferroelectric, P(VDF-TrFE), transistor memory arrays with thin-film circuitry that can address each individual memory element in that array. n-type indium gallium zinc oxide is used as the active channel material in both the memory and logic thin-film transistors. The maximum process temperature is 200 °C, allowing plastic films to be used as substrate material. The technology was scaled up to 150 mm wafer size, and offers good reproducibility, high device yield and low device variation. This forms the basis for successful demonstration of memory arrays, read and write circuitry, and the integration of these. cop. 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd.

In many organic electronic devices functionality is achieved by blending two or more materials, typically polymers or molecules, with distinctly different optical or electrical properties in a single film. The local scale morphology of such blends is vital for the device performance. Here, a simple approach to study the full 3D morphology of phase-separated blends, taking advantage of the possibility to selectively dissolve the different components is introduced. This method is applied in combination with AFM to investigate a blend of a semiconducting and ferroelectric polymer typically used as active layer in organic ferroelectric resistive switches. It is found that the blend consists of a ferroelectric matrix with three types of embedded semiconductor domains and a thin wetting layer at the bottom electrode. Statistical analysis of the obtained images excludes the presence of a fourth type of domains. The criteria for the applicability of the presented technique are discussed. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Funding Agencies|European Communitys Seventh Framework Programme under MOMA project [248092]

Using a concept of asymmetric side gate and main gate, it is shown that it is possible to realize unipolar transport (both p-type and n-type) in a thin-film transistor with a high-performance ambipolar polymer semiconductor. In a complementary inverter, this results in higher noise margin and DC gain.