Spectral Sensor Inspired by Cone Photoreceptors and Ion Channels without External Power

Abstract

In this study, we focused the mimicking of the cone photoreceptor along with ion channel system, which is similar to real optical system. By realizing the ion channel and photoreceptor based on photoresponsive material and photoelectric film, we achieved the wavelength-selective sensor with self-power ability. For the first time, we combined the photoreceptor and ion channel system without external power. For this, we used the channel membrane with pores coated with light-responsive material. We measured the sensing signals without any external power, because photoelectric film assists the sensitive operation of the ion channel system. As a result, we demonstrated a spectral ion channel sensor triggered by the photoelectric effect. Mimicking the slow and fast responses typically found in cone photoreceptor, when induced light causes photovoltaic effect from the pyrrole-coated polyvinylidene fluoride film, this helps to normally operate the ion channel system with slow and fast responses to the light wavelengths. Consequently, this research opens the new scientific fields to realize the photosensor very similar to the real vision sensory organ.