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.

中文翻译：

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基于光热电效应的彩色织物/激光图案金属识别

颜色是人类视觉中不同波长的电磁波的映射。目前使用的电子颜色识别系统主要是基于光电效应。在这里，我们展示了一种基于光热电效应的颜色材料识别系统。该系统使用微型制造的热电发电机 (TEG) 作为平台，上面覆盖着染料色织物片或结构色激光图案金属片。在光线照射下，织物/金属选择性地吸收光线并将其转化为热量，热量流经底层的TEG阵列，然后转换成电信号输出，实现颜色和材质的区分。