New methods for spectral imaging in shortwave infrared for augmented reality applications

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging enable augmented reality experience by collecting spectral information of a scene and mapping it onto a 2D image. This imaging method is especially powerful if done in short-wave infrared (SWIR) because of the unique spectral fingerprints of many molecules found in this region of the spectrum. Despite its high potential, this technology has not been widely adopted due to the high price of standard SWIR cameras. Recently, image sensors based on colloidal quantum dot thin films have gained a lot of attention due to their potential to enable affordable and high-resolution SWIR imaging. In this work, we present the latest results of our efforts to leverage imec's thin-film SWIR imaging platform for spectral imaging. We present the measurement results of our multispectral photodetectors, as well as the results of optical simulations demonstrating new concepts for light filtering in the SWIR region, compatible with the thin-film technology.