IIT Guwahati Develops Cost-Effective Photodetector for Healthcare

The research, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, was led by Prof PK Giri of IIT Guwahati’s Department of Physics, with contributions from researchers Debabrata Sahu, Subhankar Debnath, and Sirsendu Ghosal.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an advanced photodetector designed to enhance applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and solar energy.

This device utilizes formamidinium perovskite and 2D-printed plasmonic nanoparticles, resulting in high light sensitivity, affordability, and durability.

Photodetectors are essential in various technologies, as they detect light and convert it to electrical signals. They are widely used in medical imaging, environmental sensors, communication systems, and cameras.

However, achieving both high performance and affordability in photodetectors has long posed a challenge. The IIT Guwahati team has made significant strides in addressing this issue.

The research, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, was led by Prof PK Giri of IIT Guwahati’s Department of Physics, with contributions from researchers Debabrata Sahu, Subhankar Debnath, and Sirsendu Ghosal.

The team utilized perovskite materials known for their superior light-absorption properties, commonly applied in solar cells and other light-sensitive technologies.

The formamidinium-based perovskite selected for this device offers both high stability and efficient light-to-electricity conversion.

To further enhance the device, the researchers incorporated silver-based 2D-printed plasmonic nanoparticles using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), which concentrates light onto the perovskite layer, significantly increasing light absorption and improving performance.

“Our aim was to create a photodetector that combines efficiency, affordability, and durability, making it suitable for real-world applications. By integrating 2D-printed plasmonic nanoparticles, we have notably enhanced the device’s performance and made the production process both scalable and cost-effective,” explained Prof P K Giri.

The team achieved this enhancement by using a precise microprinting technique to arrange the silver nanoparticles, optimizing the device’s sensitivity while keeping production costs low.

The photodetector demonstrated stability under typical environmental conditions, supporting its suitability for practical use in multiple sectors.

This photodetector technology holds promise across several fields. In healthcare, it could enhance medical imaging accuracy, supporting earlier and more precise diagnoses.

For environmental monitoring, its increased sensitivity could improve pollutant detection accuracy. In the solar energy sector, improved light absorption capabilities may aid in more efficient energy conversion, aligning with renewable energy goals.

The IIT Guwahati team’s breakthrough advances the accessibility of high-performance photodetectors in various industries by balancing cost reduction with performance.

Their work addresses critical technological barriers and offers solutions to global challenges in health, environmental protection, and sustainable energy.

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