A team of researchers at Nanyang Technological University is developing a graphene-based camera sensor that's 1000 times more sensitive to light than most commercial CMOS or CCD sensors. The NTU researchers say the new graphene-derived sensor can detect a broad spectrum of light--from the visible to mid-infrared--which could allow it to take photos in nearly-complete darkness.

The scientists etched a nanostructure onto the surface of the graphene sensor that "traps" light-generated electron particles that in turn become a digital image. In addition to its increased sensitivity, the researchers say that the sensor uses 10 times less energy compared to more conventional sensors, and that device could be at least five times cheaper to mass-produce, too.

The graphene sensor could find their way into everything from infrared cameras, traffic speed cameras, satellite imaging systems, and more.

[Nanyang Technological University via PhysOrg]

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