A Korean research team has developed a 3D printing technology that can produce infrared sensors smaller than 10 micrometers at room temperature. The team, led by Professor Kim Ji-tae from KAIST’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, collaborated with researchers from Korea University and the University of Hong Kong.
The new technology creates metal, semiconductor, and insulator materials as nanocrystalline liquid inks that are stacked layer by layer on a single printing platform. This process enables direct fabrication of infrared sensor components without requiring high-temperature processing. The resulting sensors can be produced in customized shapes and sizes.
The research team applied a “ligand exchange” technique during printing, which replaces insulating molecules on nanoparticle surfaces with highly conductive ones. This approach achieves electrical performance without high-temperature thermal treatment. The sensors produced are less than 10 micrometers in size, approximately one-tenth the thickness of a human hair.
Traditional semiconductor-based manufacturing methods require high temperatures, which limits material choices and increases energy consumption. While these conventional methods are suitable for mass production, they present challenges for adapting to changing technological requirements. The room-temperature process addresses these limitations.
Professor Kim stated, “The three-dimensional printing technology developed by our joint research team will not only enable further miniaturization and weight reduction of infrared sensors but also serve as a catalyst for the development of innovative form-factor products that were previously unimaginable. Most importantly, the ability to reduce the massive energy consumption associated with high-temperature processing will lower production costs and realize environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, contributing to the sustainable development of the infrared sensor industry.” The research results were published in Nature Communications.
Source: cm.asiae.co.kr