Breakthrough in Single-Photon Detection: Trupixel Inc. Patent Reveals Advanced Nanotechnology

Strategic Insights -

South Korean researchers at Trupixel Inc. have made a significant discovery in the field of single-photon detection, issuing a patent for a novel single-photon detection element, electronic device, and LiDAR device that utilize advanced nanotechnology. The patent, published on October 14, 2025, provides a detailed description of the invention, which promises improved efficiency in detecting single photons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trupixel Inc. patent describes a single-photon detection element that utilizes a substrate with a high-concentration doping region, a substrate region, and a first well, which are arranged in a specific configuration to enhance detection efficiency.
  • The invention uses plasmonic nanopatterns to detect single photons, which are generated by the interaction of incident light with the nanopatterns.
  • The electronic device and LiDAR device based on the single-photon detection element are designed to detect short-wavelength infrared rays, offering improved near-infrared efficiency.
  • The patent specifies the use of various materials, including insulating films, oxide thin films, and 2D material films, to improve light absorption characteristics and adjust charge injection characteristics of carriers.
  • Detailed descriptions are provided for 20 different claims related to the invention, including designs for electronic devices and LiDAR devices that incorporate the single-photon detection element.
  • The invention is said to enable the detection of single photons with energy lower than the bandgap of a material of a semiconductor substrate.

Statistics:

  • The patent number is 12446354.
  • The patent was filed on November 2, 2022, and published online on October 14, 2025.
  • The invention utilizes plasmonic nanopatterns to detect single photons, with widths ranging from several nanometers (nm) to several micrometers (mm) and conformable coverage of concave portions.
  • The patent includes diagrams illustrating the configuration of the single-photon detection element and the electronic device/LiDAR device.
  • The invention is said to offer improved detection efficiency and near-infrared efficiency.

Sources:

  • U.S. Patent Number 12446354, filed November 2, 2022, and published online on October 14, 2025.
  • Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12446354)&db=USPAT&type=ids