Nano-material breakthrough could revolutionize night vision
Published on April 23, 2025
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method for creating ultrathin infrared sensors that don't require bulky, cryogenic cooling systems, a major advancement for military night vision and autonomous vehicle technologies. Led by Jeehwan Kim of MIT, the team introduced a process called "atomic lift-off" (ALO) that produces self-supporting crystal films thinner than 10 nanometers. These new sensors, made from a highly sensitive material called PMN-PT, outperform older technologies and reduce reliance on hard-to-source cooling components and rare earth elements, potentially transforming compact thermal imaging applications.