Cambridge University engineers are working to develop 2D crystal-based flexible photodetectors that can be printed on a home printer. The photodetectors, comprised of graphene, are the starting block to create tiny flexible cameras.
The photodetectors are very thin but are found to be 200 times stronger than steel. They also have the ability to hold heat and absorb light that could be used as energy. Currently, flexible photoactive materials using organic polymers are limited by slow response time and not ideal for photodetection. Using graphene provides a faster response time and excellent environmental stability, as well as cost savings over organic polymers. The engineers see many applications where this new technology could be used, such as wearable electronics, bendable, scratch-resistant mobile phones, and super-tough body armor.
Read more about how engineers are using graphene to develop photodetectors.
