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.

Hand holding a transparent circular sensor wafer with patterned test structures

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:

  1. The thin-film photodetector (TFPD) frontplane ensures the selection of the most appropriate sensor, with organic, quantum dot and perovskite absorbers to choose from.
  2. 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.
Hand pressed on a flexible fingerprint sensor, with a fingerprint image displayed on a screen
Thin-film image sensor films developed by imec and Holst Centre for detecting fingerprints and palm prints.

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.

Click the button below to get in touch.

Article in npk flexible electronics: Curved digital X-ray detectors

External link

Imec unveils fully organic imager for X-ray applications

External link

Imec and Holst Centre unveil fully-organic imager

External link

Project Site - DiCoMo: Direct conversion hybrid-organic X-ray detectors on metal oxide backplane

External link

Some examples of what imec has done

Colorful 300mm semiconductor wafer with patterned chip dies

Imec successfully integrates colloidal quantum dot photodiodes (QDPDs) on metasurfaces developed on 300mm CMOS wafers

11/12/2025
press release
Sensing and actuation
Automotive

Pioneering approach makes compact, cost-effective, high-resolution multispectral shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensors accessible, enabling broad application in security, agriculture, automotive, aerospace, and more.

Read more
Blue abstract illustration of curved semiconductor wafer sections and chip-like patterns

White paper: monolithic microsystems

Page
Sensing and actuation
Photonics

Learn how to elevate your application to new heights with advanced functionalities on top of CMOS.

Read more
Abstract blue and purple technology panels with circuit-like patterns and glowing layers

ITF Spain

03/11/2026
Barcelona, Spain

A new chapter for deep-tech innovation

View event
False-color hyperspectral satellite view of mountainous terrain with vivid red, blue and green bands

Imec hyperspectral sensor aboard newly launched earth-observation satellite

13/11/2025
Sensing and actuation
Space exploration

The IPERLITE mission is designed to demonstrate next-generation hyperspectral imaging technology in space. At the core is a hyperspectral sensor developed by imec.

Read more

imec in your region

Looking for information about imec's activities in different parts of the world?

United Kingdom
United States
Qatar