Korean Team Develops New Infrared Image Sensor for Clear Object Recognition in Fog

A South Korean joint research team has developed a next-generation infrared image sensor for autonomous driving that can clearly detect objects in low-visibility conditions such as fog and smoke. The sensor operates in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range and features a hybrid photodetector architecture combining silver telluride (Ag₂Te) quantum dots with molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), a two-dimensional semiconductor. In this design, Ag₂Te quantum dots offer strong light absorption, while MoS₂ enables ultrafast charge transport, effectively overcoming the slow charge transport limitation commonly found in conventional quantum dot-based devices. Compared to traditional SWIR sensors that rely on expensive indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) materials, this new approach promises lower manufacturing costs and addresses challenges associated with fabricating large-area devices.