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GUWAHATI, 22nd October 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have created an innovative, cost-effective photodetector using advanced materials and techniques. Their breakthrough technology, based on formamidinium perovskite and plasmonic nanoparticles, exhibits enhanced light detection capabilities, with significant potential applications across healthcare, environmental monitoring, and solar energy industries. A photodetector is a crucial device that detects light and converts it into electrical signals, playing an essential role in various technologies such as cameras, medical imaging devices, environmental sensors, and communication systems. The research, published in the prestigious ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal, was co-authored by Prof. P. K. Giri, Department of Physics, and his research scholars, Mr. Debabrata Sahu, Mr. Subhankar Debnath, and Mr. Sirsendu Ghosal, at IIT Guwahati. Perovskites, known for their exceptional light-absorbing properties, are ideal materials for photodetectors, solar cells, and other light-harvesting technologies. The formamidinium-based perovskite used in this study is recognized for its better stability and high light conversion efficiency. However, enhancing its light absorption and electrical performance while keeping production costs low has been a challenge. To address this, the IIT Guwahati research team integrated an array of 2D printed plasmonic nanoparticles—tiny particles made of noble metals like silver (Ag)—into their perovskite photodetector. These Ag nanoparticles array help focus light onto the perovskite layer through a process called localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), greatly boosting light absorption and efficient photodetection. Speaking about the research, Prof. P. K. Giri, said, “Our goal was to create a photodetector that is not only highly efficient but also affordable and durable for real-world applications. By incorporating 2D printed plasmonic nanoparticles into the design, we have significantly enhanced the device’s performance while ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.” The team used a specialized microprinting technique to precisely arrange the silver nanoparticles, improving the device’s sensitivity while making the manufacturing process scalable and economical. The photodetector remains stable under normal environmental conditions, ensuring durability for practical applications across various industries. This photodetector innovation could transform industries by improving medical imaging, enhancing environmental monitoring accuracy, and boosting solar energy efficiency—all through cost-effective production. It paves the way for wider real-world applications and addresses key global challenges.