CAREER: Ultrasensitive Solution-Processed Inverted Infrared Polymer Photodetectors

该计划的目标是设计、制造和优化在室温下工作的光谱响应范围从350到2600 nm的超灵敏溶液处理聚合物光电探测器。这一目标将通过调整材料的电子功能和优化倒置器件的性能来实现。智能方面的优点包括开发出超灵敏的倒置红外聚合物光电探测器，这种探测器比最先进的无机光电探测器具有显著的优势。这些优势包括用于器件制造的溶液处理方法和环境温度操作所节省的能源。不需要冷却就能获得高探测率的聚合物光电探测器将是一个革命性的突破。此外，低成本的多色、高灵敏度和在宽光谱范围内的高速响应将在多个技术平台上有许多应用。这项计划将促进对电子材料的化学和形态特性以及在提高器件性能方面的倒置器件结构的基本理解。这一计划的更广泛影响体现在超灵敏倒置红外光电探测器的发展中，它提供了目前无法实现的分辨率和灵敏度。阿克伦大学这项技术的开发将通过使用基于探究的方法吸引K-12、高中和本科生，增加学生在科学、技术、工程和数学学科的参与。实践学习活动，包括科学奥林匹克火箭设计和“塑料”电子模块模仿拟议的研究成果。高度跨学科的研究为研究生、本科生和高中生的教育和培训提供了一个理想的激励环境。

The objective of this program is to design, fabricate and optimize ultrasensitive solution-processed polymer photodetectors with spectral responses ranging from 350 to 2600 nm that operate at room temperature. The objective will be accomplished by tuning the electronic functionality of the materials and optimizing the inverted device performance.The intellectual merit includes the development of ultrasensitive inverted infrared polymer photodetectors that possess significant advantages over state-of-the-art inorganic photodetectors. These advantages include solution processing methods for device fabrication and energy savings from ambient temperature operation. Polymer photodetectors that do not require cooling to obtain high detectivity would be a transformative breakthrough. Moreover, low-cost multi-color, high sensitivity and high-speed response over a broad spectral range would have a number of applications across multiple technology platforms. This program will advance the fundamental understanding about the chemical and morphological properties of the electronic materials and the inverted device architecture in the enhancement of device performance. The broader impacts of this program are found in the development of ultrasensitive inverted infrared photodetectors, which offer resolutions and sensitivities currently unachievable. The development of this technology at The University of Akron will increase the participation of the students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines by engaging K-12, high school and undergraduate students using inquiry-based methods. Hands on learning activities including Science Olympiad rocket design and "plastic" electronics modules mimic the proposed research outcomes. The highly interdisciplinary research provides a stimulating environment ideally suited for the education and training of graduate students, undergraduate students and high-school students.