High-performance optical noncontact controlling system based on broadband PtTe_x/Si heterojunction photodetectors for human–machine interaction

Noncontact interaction systems have attracted considerable research attention in recent years because of convenient operation, sterility, and injury prevention. However, the insufficient sensing distance and weak robustness of noncontact interaction systems for complex environments limit their practical applications. Here, we designed an integrated optical noncontact controlling system (ONCS) based on PtTe_x/Si optoelectronic heterojunction array. Broadband sensitive photoresponse is realized at zero bias voltage, with excellent detectivity and responsivity, boosting the noncontact sensing distance to at least 150 mm. Consequently, the system can perform noncontact detection, encoding, and control by recognizing shadow-induced spatiotemporal sequence changes in heterojunction array photocurrents. As a proof of concept, different interactive functions have been demonstrated with good accuracy and robustness by encoding finger movement above the ONCS. This study provides a new perspective for constructing high-performance noncontact interaction systems. (Figure presented.).