Organic/inorganic hybrid optical upconversion devices for near-infrared imaging

Traditional near infrared (NIR) imaging is realized by a two dimensional InGaAs photodetector (PD) array integrated with a Si readout integrated circuit active matrix. The integration between the two different semiconductor arrays seriously restrains the device size-scalability and leads to high manufacture cost. One alternative approach is to up-convert infrared photons to a shorter wavelength (e.g., 1 mu m or below) that can be effectively detected by a conventional Si detector. Herein, we report a highly simplified single-mesa (pixel-less) hybrid organic/inorganic up-conversion imaging device through the integration of a large area inorganic PD with an organic light emitting diode, which can up-convert a NIR scene to a visiblelight image. By combining the fabricated device with a commercially available camera, we demonstrate the first time pixel-less up-conversion NIR imaging with a spatial resolution of better than 6 mu m. This device has great potential for making low-cost, large-area and high resolution NIR cameras. (C) 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim