Uncooled 2D materials-based IR detector triggered by photo-induced strain

We propose a photo-induced strain driven two dimensional (2D) IR detector targeting near to far infrared wavelengths by incorporating 2D materials like graphene or MoS₂ over a base with a large coefficient of thermal expansion, for instance an elastomer like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Figure 1a) or a sealed gas cavity (Figure 1b). Absorption of IR radiation is translated into thermal expansion of the base medium, and therefore strain on the 2D material overlayer which is read out by directly probing changes in electrical resistance. The unique transduction of incident photon energy through thermal expansion effects combined with the ability to utilize 2D materials like graphene which demonstrate broad absorption across the IR regime and very high responses to strain allows great potential to expand the range of potentially detectable IR wavelengths while increasing responsivity. Our devices could be directly employed in low size weight and power (SWaP) focal plane arrays with application for planetary science, for example mapping IR signature of trace atmospheric species, or serve as functional elements in larger detector systems without needing a cryogenics subsystem, for example infrared spectrometers for lunar resource discovery.

Arrays of broad IR wavelength sensitive can serve as vital components for low SWaP orbiters and probes, for instance mapping missions to look for trace atmospheric species. Said detectors could also service the need for Lunar advancements, forming the basis for low-cost NASA handheld instruments like IR cameras or enabling the development of miniaturized instruments like IR spectrometers and LIDARs for lunar surface resource discovery.

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