Achieving high mid-IR bolometric responsivity for anisotropic composite materials from carbon nanotubes and polymers

Authors

Alexander Y. Glamazda, B. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Victor A. Karachevtsev, B. Verkin Institute for Low Temperature Physics and Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
William B. Euler, University of Rhode Island
Igor K. Levitsky, University of Rhode Island

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

5-23-2012

Abstract

An anisotropic carbon nanotube (CNT)-polymer composite for bolometric applications in the mid-IR spectral range (2.5-20 μm) is studied. Composite alignment in conjunction with non-uniform distribution of CNTs in the polymer matrix allows for a significant enhancement of the temperature coefficient of resistance (0.82% K -1) with respect to uniform composite (0.24% K -1). As a result a responsivity of ≈ 500 V W -1 is reached, which is the highest for CNT-based bolometers reported to date. Such remarkable optical and thermal characteristics are explained in terms of fluctuation tunneling theory taking into account the composite anisotropy and the gradient of the CNT concentration. Flatness of the photoresponse in the broad spectral mid-IR range and enhanced responsivity provide a great potential for the use of such novel composite for applications in IR spectroscopy and thermal imaging. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Advanced Functional Materials

Volume

22

Issue

10

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Glamazda, Alexander Y., Victor A. Karachevtsev, William B. Euler, and Igor K. Levitsky. "Achieving high mid-IR bolometric responsivity for anisotropic composite materials from carbon nanotubes and polymers." Advanced Functional Materials 22, 10 (2012): 2177-2186. doi: 10.1002/adfm.201102597.