Conception of a Smart Artificial Retina Based on a Dual-Mode Organic Sensing Inverter

The human visual system enables perceiving, learning, remembering, and recognizing elementary visual information (light, colors, and images), which has inspired the development of biomimicry visual system-based electronic devices. Photosensing and synaptic devices are integrated into these systems to realize elementary information storage and recognition to imitate image processing. However, the severe restrictions of the monotonic light response and complicated circuitry design remain challenges for the development of artificial visual devices. Here, the concept of a smart artificial retina based on an organic optical sensing inverter device that can be operated as a multiwavelength photodetector and recorder is reported first. The device exhibits a light-triggered broadband (red/green/blue) response, a low energy consumption as low as ±5 V, and an ultrafast response speed (<300 ms). Moreover, the multifunctional component is also combined within a single cell for health monitoring of the artificial retina during light surveillance to avoid retinopathy. Proof-of-concept devices, by simplifying the circuitry and providing dual-mode functions, can contribute significantly to the development of bionics design and broaden the horizon for smart artificial retinas in the human visual system.