Planet82 Reveals World’s First Full-Color Imaging Sensor

Story link: Planet82 Reveals World’s First Full-Color Imaging Sensor by Brian Turner

Planet82 Inc’s innovative full-color imaging sensor allows digital images to be taken in the dark without the need for flash.

The company, a global leader of nanotechnology, launched the new VGA-color Single carrier Modulation Photo Detector (SMPD) at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007. The new color SMPD provides clear image quality and high sensitivity. It combines existing imaging technology with nanotechnology, making the device 2,000 times more light-sensitive and 50% smaller than traditional CMOS and CCD sensors.

SMPD sensors provide a cost-effective solution allowing manufacturers to develop a new generation of digital cameras, mobile phones, surveillance cameras and, night vision- and rear view-sensing cars which will be able to take higher-quality images without the distortion or energy-requirements of a flash.

Planet82 will demonstrate a black and white, full-color VGA and two mega pixel color sensors at CES 2007. The company’s press kit and high resolution photos are available online.

Planet82’s SMPD takes advantage of the latest advances in nanoscience which allows technology to be developed at an ultra-small scale where particles are approximately 10,000 times smaller than a single human hair. The nano tech design enables the SMPD to capture pictures in near darkness. Conventional photodiode-based CMOS and CCD technologies require millions of photoelectrons per pixel unit to create an image. The SMPD, however, can to react to amounts of photons in light levels less than 1 lux, the equivalent of the light from one candle a meter away and it can sense light wavelengths into the infrared band.

Planet82, which is headquartered in Seoul, Korea, is currently working to develop a partnership for the mass production of the SMPD.