Breakthrough in broadband photodetectors: nanomaterial Gii could bring faster broadband and higher quality medical imaging

• Scientists at the University of the West of Scotland and University of Glasgow find carbon nanomaterial Gii has high detectivity, low-cost and mass-producibility properties that could improve broadband photodetectors.
• Broadband photodetectors are used in fibre optic networks and medical imaging devices. Latest study finds Gii outperforms existing materials in terms of detection performance, while also being a low-cost, sustainable, supply-secure and commercially scalable material.
• Gii-powered broadband photodetectors could eliminate the cost of and space for using multiple sensing materials and ultimately offer faster fibre optic networks, more detailed medical imaging and higher performance environmental monitoring.

New research finds nanomaterial Gii can be used as a highly detective material in broadband photodetectors, which could lead to faster fibre optic networks, more detailed medical imaging and higher performance environmental monitoring.

Published in Proceedings SPIE, scientists from the Institute of Thin Films Sensors and Imaging (ITFSI) at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Microelectronics Lab at the University of Glasgow conducted the first proof of concept test of Gii being used in a broadband photodetector.

Broadband photodetectors are advanced devices that convert light into electrical signals. They often use multiple materials to capture the full range of light signals and are widely used in telecommunications and medical diagnostics.

The research found Gii offers a highly detective material that can singlehandedly absorb the full spectrum of light in one material. Often, broadband photodetectors will use multiple materials to achieve this. A single material translates to reduced material usage, lower material costs, more reliable results and more compact device designs.

The discovery could transform multiple industries:

• In telecommunications, Gii’s ability to detect multiple light signals at once could enhance data transmission and network efficiency, resulting in faster internet speeds and improved infrastructure.
• In medical diagnostics, Gii’s broad wavelength detection supports advanced imaging techniques like multispectral and hyperspectral imaging. This could provide more detailed scans and more accurate diagnoses, paving the way for better patient outcomes.
• Additional use cases for Gii in broadband photodetectors include environmental monitoring, scientific research, agritech and low-cost spectroscopy, making it a highly versatile material across multiple sectors.

Gii is a sustainable carbon nanomaterial produced by iGii. Gii is not mined or created through a toxic, high-energy process, it can be engineered sustainably on an industrial scale.

It has a number of properties, including high porosity, broadband absorptance and exceptional electrical conductivity, that deliver superior performance to the multiple different materials currently used in broadband photodetectors.

Professor Des Gibson, UWS ITFSI founder & director commented: “Our findings suggest that Gii is not just a low-cost and mass-producible material, but a true game- changer for the next generation of broadband photodetectors. Its ability to cover a full range of visible to infrared wavelengths could reshape sensor and imaging technologies”.

Dr Carlos Garcia Nunez, University of Glasgow lead academic, said: “Our research demonstrates that Gii exhibits unique optical properties which make it an excellent active material in broadband photodetectors. This is the first step in our research into Gii’s role in optoelectronics and we look forward to further study into Gii’s usage in sensing cosmic radiation and gas sensor applications.”

Jean-Christophe Granier, Chief Executive Officer, iGii, said: “This latest research further reinforces the extraordinary potential of Gii in cutting-edge technologies. Gii is the ideal solution for industries looking to revolutionise their performance whilst also being mindful of cost, sustainability, scalability and supply security. As we continue to explore new applications for Gii, we’re confident it will accelerate next generation innovations across multiple fields.”

With these findings, iGii continues to lead the way in delivering innovative, sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. As well as enhancing the performance of broadband photodetectors, iGii is harnessing Gii’s novel properties to transform existing technology in a number of industries, including point of care diagnostics, water quality and food safety testing.

Link to paper: Emma Keel, Marco Caffio, Des Gibson, Carlos Garcia Nuñez, Potential broadband photodetector concept based on three-dimensional graphene foam, SPIE Photonics Europe (Strasbourg, France), Proceedings Volume 13015, Photosensitive Materials and their Applications III; 1301513 (2024)