8‐4: Polarized Detection Using Patterned Polarizer Coated Quantum‐Dot Detector

The polarization state can encode far more information compared to the intensity and spectrum of light signals. Polarization imaging and determination of polarization state has been a fascination of researchers in the field of optical engineering. Conventional polarization imaging involves complex methods and expensive manufacturing processes. Additionally, in recent times easily fabricate able semiconductor devices such as solution processed quantum dot (QD) LEDs 16 , quantum rod (QR) LEDs 13 ‐ 15 , QD photodetectors (PDs), etc. have gained tremendous interest and research efforts. The ability to fabricate a solution processable polarization detector can prove to be pivotal in the pursuit of facile polarization detection. Traditional polarization imaging systems make use of expensive wire‐grid polarizers and complicated patterning processes that make it challenging to realize such devices, the resulting devices are also quite expensive which limits their widespread application. In this work we present a novel system that makes use of a completely solution process fabricated QD PD using lead sulfide (PbS) QDs that can detect the whole visible spectrum and integrate a solution processable Azo‐dye polarizer (AD1) onto it to achieve patterned polarized detection. The PD achieved a response time of around 30 fis and the AD1 polarizer achieved a maximum extinction ratio of ~27:1. The fabricated AD1 polarizer also covers wavelengths in the range of 450 nm to 750 nm making it ideal for the visible spectrum The work represents a significant step forward in a facile and cheap polarized detector fabrication method that can enable a wider adoption of polarization imaging. Further optimization in pixelization and device architecture is expected to lead to a widespread implementation of such technology.