Low-cost infrared sensor released to create ultra-thin night vision glasses

Technology Trends Researchers at Ben-Gurion University, a renowned research university in Israel, said that they have developed a low-cost infrared sensor capable of creating the world's thinnest night-vision goggles and innovating infrared night vision applications for smart phones and self-driving cars. .

According to the consulting report of Memmes, Prof. Gabby Sarusi of Ben-Gurion University's Ilse Katz Institute of Nanoscience and Technology developed a stamp-like device capable of reading infrared light of 1500nm wavelength and injecting infrared light on the other side. Turns to visible light imaging that the human eye can see. The device is based on a thin film of only 0.6um thick. This thin film includes nanomaterial layers, nanopillars, and ultra-thin metal foils. This magic film transforms infrared light into visible light.

"The film can be mounted in front of ordinary glasses or telescopes, transforming them into infrared devices. Films can also be made on conventional visible light sensors, making them infrared sensors that 'see' infrared light that is invisible to the human eye. ,” Sarusi said.

According to Sarusi, this technology may be able to replace heavy night-vision devices with lightweight, low-power glasses for soldiers on the battlefield. This technology is mainly based on nanotechnology and physical technology, and the only electronic component it contains is a miniature battery.

However, this technology has many widespread and promising applications, such as self-driving cars. The device using this technology can convert infrared light into visible light and improve visual capabilities for self-driving cars under conditions of poor sight such as night, rain, snow, and fog.

In addition, intense sunlight creates a lot of trouble for current conventional visual sensors, and infrared sensors are not affected by strong light.

Sarusi said: "An infrared sensor often requires about 3,000 US dollars, and the conventional visual sensor used in self-driving cars is only about 1 to 2 US dollars, so, plus the nano-film technology we developed, the overall cost is only 7 to 8 Around US dollars, this will significantly reduce the application cost of self-driving cars."

"This technology will bring low-cost infrared sensors that can be applied in large scale, and it is absolutely revolutionary for cost-conscious applications such as self-driving cars," Sarusi said in a speech last week. Sensors are the foundation of self-driving cars, and they need to become more economical.This thin film technology can be used in camera sensors to help auto-driving cars 'see' farther and clearer, and can also be applied to the vehicle environment perception of LiDAR (laser Radar) sensor."

According to Sarusi, another promising application for this technology will be smartphones, which will bring more innovative infrared vision applications.

Currently, Ben-Gurion University has started licensing the technology and set up startups to further develop products for commercialization. According to Sarusi’s assessment, the commercialization of this technology may take another two to three years. (Original title: Israel has developed a low-cost infrared sensor for use in laser radar)