Organic optoelectronic devices for sensing of tissue oxygenation and explosives

Organic optoelectronic devices are of growing interest for sensing applications, and offer the potential for low weight, flexibility and simple fabrication. In this paper we will present recent progress using organic light-emitting diodes, photodiodes and lasers for biophotonic and explosive sensing applications. We have developed a haemodynamic sensor using organic LEDs and photodiodes to measure changes in tissue oxygenation and demonstrated its operation in a forearm ischaemia experiment. Another topic of current interest is the sensing of explosives. Here organic semiconductor lasers have considerable potential and our first steps towards developing their use for humanitarian demining will be reported.