Nanoscale Confined Tribo-Ion-Photonics for Ultrahigh-Resolution Imaging

Interactive sensing displays with ultrahigh resolution are critically important for next-generation human-machine interfaces and near-eye display technologies, yet their development has been hindered by fabrication and material limitations. Here, a nanoscale confined tribo-ion-photonic device has been proposed, consisting of a counterion-electromigration-confined ion-gel, a poly(2,5-bis(3-alkylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT) active layer, and an electrode, which achieves ultrahigh spatial resolution through nanoscale-triboelectrification-tuned ion injection. The electrical conductivity and photoluminescence intensity of the PBTTT layer can be precisely modulated by scan force, scan rate, scan cycles, and applied bias of the atomic microscopy tip. The device exhibits excellent reversibility and a record-breaking spatial resolution of 42333 pixels per inch. On the basis, patterns with fine structure are successfully written and stored in the device and can be instantaneously read out due to the electrochromic phenomenon even under ambient lighting conditions. This work established a novel approach to ultrahigh-resolution imaging by combining triboelectricity with organic semiconductor devices, opening new possibilities for applications in visualized tactile imaging, polymer-based nano-optoelectronics, and nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems.