Advanced Organic Semiconductor Materials for Flexible SWIR Photodetection

Objective

SWIRFlex-DT aims to deliver a paradigm shift in shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensing by pioneering organic semiconductor technologies that are scalable, sustainable, and high-performing. The project introduces ultra-low bandgap organic semiconductors—including SWIR-absorbing polymers and two-dimensional conjugated polymers (2DCPs)—engineered specifically for the 1000–2500 nm spectral range. Using advanced synthesis methods such as surfactant-monolayer-assisted interfacial synthesis (SMAIS), the consortium will achieve large-area, highly crystalline thin films with exceptional charge mobility. These materials will enable a new class of photodetectors, including high-speed organic photodiodes, ambipolar organic phototransistors (OTFTs), and nanogap electrode photodetectors operating in the GHz range. SWIRFlex-DT combines world-leading academic and industrial partners in a highly interdisciplinary consortium. Together, we will develop and validate SWIR imagers ranging from 64×64 rigid prototypes to large-area flexible arrays, targeting real-world use cases such as vascular imaging, wearable health monitoring, LiDAR, night vision, and environmental sensing. The project emphasizes co-design with end-users, life cycle sustainability, and early-stage regulatory alignment (including CE/ISO compliance), ensuring market-oriented innovation. Going beyond state-of-the-art, SWIRFlex-DT will position Europe as a leader in next-generation optoelectronics, reduce reliance on InGaAs-based imports, and establish a fully European value chain for organic SWIR technologies—delivering scientific breakthroughs with transformative societal and industrial impact.