Flexible photonic sensor based on locally synthesized metal oxide nanowire network

We propose a new flexible photonic sensor based on metal oxide nanowire networks fabricated by a novel eco-friendly focused energy field (FEF) method. This method is based on the localized thermal energy along microscale heater within liquid precursor solutions of nanowire synthesis. FEF method enables selective synthesis and in-situ integration of ZnO nanowires on the metal electrodes of function devices. Further, low-temperature and nontoxic nature of the process allows the compatibility with flexible polymer substrates. High band gap of ZnO (3.37eV) allows the sensitivity of ZnO nanowire networks to the UV illumination (λ=365nm) with a dark current of 60nA and on-off ratio of 50~70. Due to the robustness and good adhesion of ZnO nanowires fabricated on the polymer substrate, the shape of nanowire and photoconductive characteristic didn´t change.