Graphene Sheets - Strong Contender For Camera Sensor Technology

The Researchers at MIT might just have clicked the perfect picture and #-Link-Snipped-#, an atom-thick sheet of carbon would be the one to thank. The Researchers discovered that Graphene when struck with light converts it into electricity, though in an unusual way.

Instead of acting on the photo-voltaic effect which is a trait of solar panels, Graphene originates a current because of the temperature difference. When light shines on its surface, it heats the electrons within, but the lattice of carbon remains cool. This temperature difference is responsible for generating the electricity.

 

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Graphene Sheet

Explaining the Science behind it, the experiment involved treating a sheet of Graphene so that it had two regions with different electrical properties, that would be the p-n junction. Then, a 850nm infrared laser is focused on the material. This creates a temperature difference between the two regions, so that now electrical current flows. This effect is driven by hot carrier response which is when the electrons gain enough energy to move, but the underlying lattice of carbon stays cool.

Though, all this isn't the surprising part. The highlight of the research lies in the fact that Graphene's hot carrier response occurs at room temperature and even a weak source of light is enough to trigger it. This was an unlikely achievement as in most materials hot carrier response is observed only under the influence of powerful source of light and temperature.

If Graphene sheets become a norm soon, we can expect its use as a highly sensitive photodetector and night-vision goggles to name a few.

Via: #-Link-Snipped-#.

Image Source: Model of graphene structure | The ideal crystalline structur… | Flickr

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