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中文Research Highlights
- Publish Date：2025-01-14
A New Breakthrough in Cancer Detection: NYCU Enhances Near-Infrared Photodetector Technology for Accurate Tumor Localization
(Photo credit: ArtRepublic)
Edited by Chance Lai
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In a groundbreaking advancement, researchers at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) have significantly improved the performance of near-infrared (NIR) photodetectors, paving the way for innovations in cancer detection and biomedical treatments.
This cutting-edge technology enhances the sensitivity of photodetectors to faint light, enabling precise measurement of tumor size, location, and composition, which can aid medical professionals in devising accurate diagnostic and treatment plans. The findings were published in the prestigious journal Small in December 2024.
This cutting-edge technology enhances the sensitivity of photodetectors to faint light, enabling precise measurement of tumor size, location, and composition, which can aid medical professionals in devising accurate diagnostic and treatment plans. The findings were published in the prestigious journal Small in December 2024.
Tackling Material Challenges with Innovative Solutions
The study, led by Associate Professor Chih-Shan Tan from the Institute of Electronics—ranked among the top 2% of global scientists—focused on enhancing NIR photodetectors. These devices absorb near-infrared light (wavelengths between 700 nm and 2500 nm) and convert it into electrical signals. NIR light’s longer wavelength and lower energy allow it to penetrate deeper into biological tissues with minimal damage, making it an ideal tool for medical diagnostics, surgery, and treatment.
Moreover, NIR light is less affected by autofluorescence from biological systems, ensuring high-precision imaging. However, the stability of existing materials has posed a significant challenge in advancing this technology.
Moreover, NIR light is less affected by autofluorescence from biological systems, ensuring high-precision imaging. However, the stability of existing materials has posed a significant challenge in advancing this technology.
Revolutionary Material Enhancements
Graduate student Yu-Hsuan Lai spearheaded a revolutionary solution targeting tin-based perovskite, a lead-free, eco-friendly material with great potential. Lai introduced a protective layer of large alkylammonium ions, employing a dual-surface passivation technique that effectively stabilized the material, dramatically improving its photodetection capabilities and durability.
This innovation also significantly reduced material defect density, enabling the photodetector to detect faint signals with unprecedented precision—a major leap forward for NIR photodetection.
According to Associate Professor Tan, this technology is particularly effective for wavelengths in the 650-900 nm range. It combines deep tissue penetration with minimal damage, making it exceptionally suited for medical imaging and diagnostic applications.
Implications for Cancer Detection and Sustainable Technology
This breakthrough not only elevates cancer detection and biomedical diagnostics to new heights but also serves as a valuable reference for research into environmentally friendly optoelectronic materials. It showcases NYCU’s commitment to technological innovation and highlights Taiwan’s growing influence in the fields of semiconductors and sensor technologies.
Laboratory Group Photo: The first author of the article, Yu-Hsuan Lai (fourth from the right in the front row), and the corresponding author, Associate Professor Chih-Shan Tan (fifth from the right in the front row), capture this significant moment with their research team.
This breakthrough not only elevates cancer detection and biomedical diagnostics to new heights but also serves as a valuable reference for research into environmentally friendly optoelectronic materials. It showcases NYCU’s commitment to technological innovation and highlights Taiwan’s growing influence in the fields of semiconductors and sensor technologies.
Laboratory Group Photo: The first author of the article, Yu-Hsuan Lai (fourth from the right in the front row), and the corresponding author, Associate Professor Chih-Shan Tan (fifth from the right in the front row), capture this significant moment with their research team.
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