Researchers at the National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, led by Professor Hao-Wu Lin, have demonstrated that high-performance filter-less artificial human photoreceptors can be realized by integrating a novel optical metal/dielectric/metal microcavity structure with vacuum-deposited perovskite photoresponse devices.

Sensory substitution with flexible electronics is one of the intriguing fields of research. Scientists already fabricate electronic devices that can replicate, to a certain degree degree, some of the human senses – touch (electronic skin – e-skin), smell (e-nose), and taste (e-tongue). E-versions of the eye's photoreceptors (e-retinas) could potentially be used in a wide range of applications from robotic humanoid vision to artificial retina implantation for vision restoration or even vision extension into a wider range of wavelength.

In December 2018, Greatcell Solar declared bankruptcy, a sad ending to a once promising perovskite venture. However, prior to this bankruptcy (in September 2018), the Production Division of Greatcell Solar was sold off, in a new business called Greatcell Solar Materials (GSM).

GSM manufactures and supplies its products like perovskite precursors, silver inks, various dopants and more to the scientific community. The company's general manager, Dr. Yanek Hebting, kindly agreed to answer some of our questions regarding GSM's business and technology.