Carbon nanotube active-matrix backplanes for mechanically flexible visible light and X-ray imagers

Nano Lett. 2013;13(11):5425-30. doi: 10.1021/nl403001r. Epub 2013 Oct 31.

Abstract

We report visible light and X-ray imagers on lightweight and mechanically flexible plastic substrates. The process involves solution processing of organic photodetectors on top of an active-matrix backplane consisting of carbon nanotube thin-film transistors. The system takes advantage of the high mobility of nanotube transistors for low operating voltages and efficient light absorption of organic bulk-heterojunctions for high imaging sensitivity. With this highly scalable process scheme, 18 × 18 pixel-array flexible imagers (physical size of 2 cm × 1.5 cm) with high performance are successfully demonstrated. In addition, as the absorption peak of the adopted organic photodiodes covers the green band of the light spectrum, X-ray imaging is readily demonstrated by placing a scintillator film on top of the flexible imagers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Light
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties
  • Transistors, Electronic
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon