Researchers from Singapore have now discovered a ground-breaking technology for the photography world – graphene. This material is extremely strong and electrically conductive. Graphene also has the capability to absorb light. Its responsiveness to light makes it ideal for camera sensors. A lot of high tech cameras today are relying on ultra pixels and OIS to capture vivid photos.

Nanyang Technological University researchers were able to develop image sensors from graphene that was around 1000 times more responsive than present camera sensors, and at the same time, it uses 10 times less energy. In creating graphene sensors, the team made a transistor with graphene monolayer channel and covered it with titanium. After removing the titanium, graphene quantum dot-like (GQD) structures stay behind. The GQD would then become photo detectors.

Wang Qijie, an assistant professor told Science Recorder that it was the first sensor made from pure graphene, showing it was feasible to make affordable and efficient sensors from graphene without using add-ons. He also predicted that the sensor will have crucial impact, not only in the consumer world, but also in the scientific world on satellite imaging, mid-infrared imaging, and communications.

Wang also believed that companies will still continue using the CMOS process in manufacturing but will now incorporate graphene into the process. This will then lead to lower manufacturing costs, therefore result to cheaper cameras, once it has become industry standard. However, it is still difficult to work with the material, and there is no telling on when the technology can become available for the public.

There are now several predictions on where this discovery can be used first. Extreme Tech foresees the technology being utilized in facilitating faster fiber optic networks or in optoelectronics. Engadget  predicts that it will be first used for satellites and surveillance gears.

Once graphene is commercially available, consumers can expect high tech cameras to be five times cheaper than current market prices.