Mechanically flexible mid-wave infrared imagers using black phosphorus ink films

Theodorus Jonathan Wijaya, Naoki Higashitarumizu, Shifan Wang, Shogo Tajima, Hyong Min Kim, Shu Wang, Dehui Zhang, James Bullock, Tomoyuki Yokota (), Takao Someya () and Ali Javey ()
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Theodorus Jonathan Wijaya: University of California
Naoki Higashitarumizu: University of California
Shifan Wang: University of California
Shogo Tajima: University of California
Hyong Min Kim: University of California
Shu Wang: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Dehui Zhang: University of California
James Bullock: University of Melbourne
Tomoyuki Yokota: Bunkyo-ku
Takao Someya: Bunkyo-ku
Ali Javey: University of California

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The mid-wave infrared (MWIR) spectral range (λ = 3–8 μm) enables important sensing and imaging applications, including non-invasive bioimaging, night vision, and autonomous navigation. Commercial MWIR photodetectors are limited to rigid imagers based on heteroepitaxial materials. There is an emerging need for mechanically flexible MWIR imagers to broaden their functionality and practicality. Recently, photodetectors using van der Waals (vdW) black phosphorus (BP) flakes have demonstrated highly sensitive room-temperature photodetection. Additionally, vdW materials are solution-processable, facilitating scalable processing and flexible device fabrication. In this work, we present flexible MWIR imagers consisting of photodiodes fabricated on thin plastic substrates using BP ink films. We demonstrate mechanically robust responsivity up to 2.5-mm bending radii and after 5000 bending cycles. Leveraging this flexibility, we achieve full-azimuthal imaging, detecting directional light sources with precision. These results establish a scalable approach for large-area, conformable MWIR imaging and pave the way for integration with flexible electronics.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60942-8

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