Recognitions of colored fabrics/laser-patterned metals based on photothermoelectric effects

Color is the mapping of electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths in human vision. The electronic color recognition system currently in use is mainly based on the photoelectric effect. Here, we demonstrate a color materials’ recognition system based on photothermoelectric effects. The system uses a microfabricated thermoelectric generator (TEG) as a platform, which is covered with dye-colored fabric pieces or structure-colored laser-patterned metal sheets. Under light irradiation, the fabrics/metals selectively absorb light and convert it into heat, which flows through the underlying TEG arrays and then converted into electrical signal output to realize the distinction of color and materials. This previously unidentified high-sensitivity TEG detection method provides a potential approach for precise color materials’ detection over wide areas and may help understand the mechanism of bionic color recognition.