The announcement was made throughout the IEEE Worldwide Electron Gadgets Assembly (IEDM 2025).
The innovation guarantees a scalable platform for compact, high-resolution SWIR spectral sensors, paving the best way for cost-effective options in fields similar to safety, agriculture, automotive, and aerospace.
SWIR sensors detect wavelengths past the seen spectrum, enabling functions similar to materials inspection and imaging via haze or smoke. Whereas standard SWIR sensors are sometimes cumbersome and costly, quantum dot-based sensors provide a extra inexpensive different with improved decision. Till now, these sensors have primarily operated in broadband mode fairly than offering detailed spectral data.
Imec’s method combines nanoscale quantum dots – semiconductors that soak up particular infrared wavelengths – with metasurfaces, ultra-thin layers engineered to manage mild interplay. By integrating these parts in a CMOS-compatible course of, imec has created a miniaturised structure that may be manufactured utilizing customary semiconductor methods.
“What notably units this know-how aside is its scalability,” mentioned Vladimir Pejovic, R&D undertaking lead at imec. “Conventional quantum dot sensors require redesigning advanced photodiode layers for every wavelength, which is expensive and time-consuming. Our methodology shifts that complexity to the CMOS degree, utilizing metasurfaces to tune spectral response as a substitute. This opens the door to simply customisable, high-resolution SWIR sensors.”
The event displays a multidisciplinary effort combining experience in quantum dot imaging, flat optics, and spectral sensing. Imec now goals to maneuver from proof-of-concept to industrial-scale manufacturing and is inviting companions to collaborate.
“Our ambition is to show this breakthrough into an industry-ready platform,” mentioned Pawel Malinowski, portfolio supervisor at imec. “By working with companions to develop customized sensors and built-in units, we will speed up innovation and convey next-generation SWIR know-how to real-world functions.”
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