Artificially-Intelligent Imaging (AI2) sensors: How intelligent CMOS imaging devices can benefit Photovoltaics?

Abstract

In the present paper, we present a new research bridge between two of the current hottest research branches in electrical engineering devices namely; CMOS imaging and Photovoltaics (PV). We start by showing the similarity between core areas of interest in each one namely the device, i.e. the photodiode and the difference between the two research areas. We conclude with an equation that depicts the central contribution of this paper demonstrating that any improvement at the device level made in CMOS imaging technology will inevitably and positively impact PV and visa-versa. Particularly, the suggested intelligent (bio-mimicked) photo-sensors can boost the solar energy conversion of their PV counterparts. This might not be possible in certain cases where fabrication technologies do not allow that and for that matter a non-disruptive change in the fabrication processes are necessary to take advantage of the new devices advancements. Finally, we present a futuristic solution based on the above pivotal idea opening a door for novel applications especially in battery-less biomedicals and wearables.