Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have announced a huge breakthrough in digital imagining by introducing what they have called the fastest and most responsive flexible phototransistor ever.

The work was developed by Jack Ma, the Lynn H. Matthias Professor and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of electrical and computer engineering at UW-Madison, and Jung-hun Seo, a fellow researcher.

Basically, phototransistors sense and then gather light before changing that light information into an electrical charge. The quality of this charge depends upon the force and wavelength of the light.

According to NYC Today, the researchers describe their optic innovation as a highly responsive, sensitive and flexible phototransistor which will inevitably improve digital imaging technology.

The silicon phototransistor, which will help to enhance images captured in a low-light setting, depends upon electronic light sensors and has been inspired by the mammalian vision.

According to the researchers the new phototransistor can be used in night vision glasses, smoke detectors, satellites, as well as medical imaging equipment. “Integrated into a digital camera lens, for example, it could reduce bulkiness and boost both the acquisition speed and quality of video or still photos,” claim the researchers.

According to Nature World Report the new advances done at University of Wisconsin-Madison show the capabilities of high-sensitivity photodetection under twisting conditions, demonstrating something that has never been accomplished before. "It shows the capabilities of high-sensitivity photodetection and stable performance under bending conditions, which have never been achieved at the same time,” says professor Ma.

Out of necessity many phototransistors are currently flat because they are fabricated on a rigid surface. This new technology will change this, as this phototransistor that has been introduced is flexible and will be able to mimic the behavior of the eyes of mammals.