Bioinspired Photodetectors: From Nature to Advanced Applications.

Abstract

Bioinspired photodetectors (BPDs) have achieved unprecedented advancements in dynamic regulation, energy efficiency, environmental adaptability, and multifunctional integration by emulating biological vision mechanisms. These devices ingeniously leverage nature-optimized strategies, such as the dynamic adaptation of human vision, the wide-field imaging capability of insect compound eyes, and the superior light-harvesting efficiency of plant photosynthetic systems, thereby opening new pathways for next-generation photodetection technologies. This review establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework that links biological inspiration to the advancement of photodetectors. It systematically examines the design principles, performance evaluation, material selection, fabrication techniques, recent progress, and cutting-edge applications of BPDs, while also providing a critical assessment of current challenges and future prospects. By synergistically integrating fundamental biological insights with practical engineering solutions, this work aims to analyze the current state of BPDs research and explore future directions, ultimately heralding a new era for intelligent, efficient, and multifunctional optoelectronic systems.