Double-Side Selective Spectral Response Organic Photodetectors for Demultiplexing Optical Signals

Selective spectral response photodetectors (PDs) capable of accurately capturing the color of images have broad applications in industry and academia. Here, we demonstrate filter-free, wavelength-selective detection organic photodetectors (OPDs) with two distinct response ranges and having the planar bilayer heterojunction device structure by employing either a (semi-)transparent anode or a cathode as the incident light window. The resultant OPDs exhibit a responsivity of 51 mA W–1 in the range 300–650 nm and 11 mA W–1 in the range 650–850 nm under top illumination condition. Similarly, the devices show a responsivity of 2 mA W–1 for the short-wavelength region and 131 mA W–1 for the long-wavelength region when under bottom illumination condition, indicating a high responsivity ratio that meets the requirements for selective detection. Hence, our individual device not only works in either visible or NIR range but also provides narrowband detection with spectral widths down to 100 nm in the NIR range. The working mechanism of spectral selectivity is identified through quantitative analysis of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectra using optical modeling when compared to the OPDs with bulk heterojunction structure, thus clarifying the general validity of the device design concept. Finally, our OPDs can demultiplex intermixed optical signals from the light-communication system successfully. Our results should inspire new studies on the device design concept and new applications of OPDs.