Japan Display : Joint R&D With University of Tokyo Leads to World’s First Thin Image Sensor that Can Measure Fingerprints, Veins, and Pulse Waves

January 21, 2020
Japan Display Inc.

Joint R&D With University of Tokyo Leads to World's First Thin Image Sensor that Can Measure Fingerprints, Veins, and Pulse Waves

Japan Display Inc. ('JDI') (President, Representative Director, and CEO Minoru Kikuoka) has developed a thin image sensor^※ that allowed for both high-speed readout and high-resolution imaging through joint R&D with the Someya Group of the Department of Electric and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Tokyo (President Makoto Gonokami).

Integrating low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistors with high mobility and high-sensitivity organic photodectors has enabled to create a single sensor that measures not only pulse wave distribution, which requires high-speed readout, but also biometric information, such as fingerprints and veins, which require high-resolution imaging. A mere 15 micrometers thick, the sensor is light weight and bendable. As for biometric authentication, it is expected that the sensor will be applied to high security authentication systems to prevent imitations and impersonations by obtaining both biometric information (fingerprints and veins) and biometric signals (pulse waves).

The results of the research were published in the online version of the British science magazine Nature Electronics on January 20, 2020 (Britian time). The research has received JST-Mirai Program Small Start Type (full-scale research ACCEL) (JPMJMI17FI) support from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

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An image sensor is a type of imaging device, a two dimensional sensor that converts light signals into electrical signals.

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