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Self-powered, linear, low-light upconversion for high-quality near-infrared imaging
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DOI：10.1038/s43246-026-01286-8.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Visualising near-infrared (NIR) radiation at ultra-low power promises advanced, remote metrology for human physiology, farming, forest, and peripheral infrastructure. While NIR-to-visible upconversion enables reliable NIR imaging, material-based approaches suffer from modest efficiencies, high excitation intensities, non-linear response, and/or limited bio-compatibility. We overcome those hurdles by introducing a self-driven, circuit-based upconverter architecture. The monolithic thin-film stack comprises serially connected, organic NIR photodetectors, providing sufficient photovoltage to drive an organic light-emitting diode. We combine state-of-the-art, vacuum-processable absorbing and emitting systems with careful, simulation-assisted stack engineering. Converting photons from NIR (≤ 835 nm) to green (530 nm), we achieve an external upconversion efficiency (EUE) as high as 1.9%. Remarkably, the device turns on an ultra-low NIR intensity of 9 µW/cm², which is 4000 times lower than for any previous bias-free upconverter film with a comparable EUE. We outperform a commercial NIR detection card and demonstrate high-quality, linear NIR vision, providing a solid foundation for future low-cost use cases. Near-infrared imaging at ultra-low power is crucial for advancing remote metrology in various fields, yet current material-based upconversion methods face challenges in linearity and turn-on intensity. Here, the authors introduce a self-driven, circuit-based upconverter with a monolithic thin-film stack, achieving remarkable efficiency and sensitivity, paving the way for cost-effective near-infrared imaging applications.
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