For autonomous driving and smart traffic infrastructure, technology that can quickly and accurately recognize the surroundings in environments with limited visibility is important. Domestic researchers have developed near-infrared (NIR) optical sensor technology that operates reliably in real environments with minimal visual noise.
Dr. Min-Chul Park, head researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Quantum Technology Research Center, noted that researchers developed a high-sensitivity organic photodetector (OPD) that operates with ultra-low noise even in scattered light environments through joint research with Prof. Jae Won Shim of Korea University and Profs. Jea Woong Jo and Sae Youn Lee of Dongguk University. The research results were published in the international journal “Advanced Materials” on April 24.
The researchers first developed a new material to be used in the electron blocking layer of the high-sensitivity organic photodetector. The electron blocking layer plays a crucial role in reducing noise by blocking the inflow of electrons and enhancing performance. They then stacked the new material in a very thin monolayer form to prevent unnecessary electric flow. As a result, the organic photodetector was made to respond only to external light, improving the sensitivity, stability, and response speed of the device. The researchers explained, “The sensitivity of the developed organic photodetector is superior to that of existing silicon sensors, making its commercialization prospects very high.”
In particular, the researchers successfully conducted experiments to obtain images in a single-pixel manner in an environment that replicated real fog conditions using the developed photodetector. This means that it can stably detect light signals even in dark situations where existing visible-light sensors cannot recognize objects, clearly restoring the shape of the target.
This research is significant as it experimentally verifies hardware-based visibility enhancement technology for the first time in the world, following the technology that received an innovation award at CES 2025 in January for using artificial intelligence (AI)-based software to eliminate fog. Based on these results, the researchers are advancing software-hardware integrated visibility enhancement technology and promoting its expansion into various fields such as autonomous driving, smart traffic infrastructure, and drone surveillance systems.
Dr. Min-Chul Park stated, “The ultra-low noise organic optical sensor technology developed this time can precisely detect obstacles even in low visibility environments such as fog, and can be used as a core sensor for visibility assistance systems in autonomous driving, medical imaging, and safety monitoring.” He added that it could be implemented on flexible substrates and operates with low power, which would allow it to overcome the limitations of existing sensors when applied not only to the exterior of vehicles but also to road infrastructure, drones, and the overall smart traffic system.
References
Advanced Materials (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202503868