A team of international researchers has developed a new photothermoelectric detector that is small, sensitive, and can effectively detect radiation from different sources.
The detection capabilities of the device are 100 million to 1 billion times faster than that of the present technology. Another benefit of this detector is that there is no health hazard threat due to the device signals. The study has been published in Nature Nanotechnology.
The researchers developed this novel detector after successfully growing graphene. The aim of this project was to leverage graphene’s unique electronic carrier properties to develop an advanced photo detector that can detect radiation quickly and effectively. Graphene was used to develop this device because it is strong, transparent and easily conducts electricity.
The problem before is that there has always been a ‘slow response’ when it came to detecting radiation in the terahertz frequency range, especially at room temperature, and the technology that currently exists operated at very cold temperatures, subsequently requiring supportive electronic systems that adds to the cost.
Luke Nyakiti, assistant professor in marine engineering technology and Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University at Galveston
Nyakiti added that although the new detector offers excellent sensing speeds, the research team is exploring ways to further enhance its sensing abilities. The device can prove suitable for homeland security purposes and may also pave way for novel applications in medical imaging, mobile devices, and other similar applications.
The National Science Foundation and the office of Naval Research funded the project. The research was carried out at Washington D.C.’s Naval Research laboratory. Along with Nyakiti, colleagues from the US Naval Research Laboratory, the University of Maryland, the University of Massachusetts and Australia’s Monash University collaborated in the research.
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