Low-cost medical and security cameras could be possible in the future thanks to a new multispectral light sensor developed by University of Surrey researchers. The sensor can detect the full spectrum of light, from ultraviolet (UV) to visible and near-infrared light.

“Until now … multiple sensors were required to measure different ranges of the light spectrum, significantly increasing cost,” said lead researcher Richard Curry, PhD. from the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute.

The innovation was enabled by the use of C 60 (fullerene) nanorods, which have unique optoelectronic properties, including high electron mobility, photosensitivity, and conductivity. They also allow for large-scale synthesis at room temperature, so the sensors can be produced cheaply, using conventional laser-printers, and do not require specialized manufacturing conditions. The sensors are also flexible.

The near-infrared capability could one day allow surgeons to use lower-cost devices to view tumors prior to surgery and could lead to low-cost consumer products, such as cameras and smartphones, that will be able to monitor blood or tissue oxygenation level or capture high-quality pictures in the dark. (Near-infrared is already commonly used in more-expensive security camera systems and for quality control in the agriculture and food industry.)

A paper on the research was published Friday in Nature’s Scientific Reports (open access).

Abstract of Scientific Reports paper