Large-area optical sensors
Turn to imec for the development of new photodetectors, design of readout backplanes and integration of the two to enable large-area sensing applications.

Arrays of photosensitive pixels distributed over large areas are crucial for important applications such as:
- x-ray detectors (radiology, mammography)
- fingerprint scanners (biometrics)
- curved imagers (inspection)
Such arrays are constituted of two components:
- The thin-film photodetector (TFPD) frontplane ensures the selection of the most appropriate sensor, with organic, quantum dot and perovskite absorbers to choose from.
- The thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane enables large sensing areas, flexibility and even transparency, with the manufacturing process compatible with flat-panel display (FPD) industry.

Imec specializes in the development of new photodetectors, design of readout backplanes and integration of the two.
Over the years, we have demonstrated proof-of-concept devices showing different modalities of large-area image sensors.
- Take a look at this video and this video about our award-winning fingerprint sensor concept.
- Read the press release about PYCSEL, a European-funded project to develop he world's first fingerprint sensor that combines printed pyroelectric PVDF-based layers above an IGZO-TFT active matrix on a flexible plastic foil.
- Visit the website of NEXIS, a Horizon 2020-project that looks into next-generation X-ray imaging systems
Imec not only helps you to address technological challenges. Thanks to our thorough knowledge of the industry, we function as your full-fledged strategic partner – right down to venturing support.
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