Scientists
are trying to develop thinner, lighter, and flexible stretchy electronics
innovated by the idea of making efficient wearable electronic devices. The integrated
circuits are extremely thin (measured at 1.2 micrometers thick); however, these
films are very strong, extremely flexible, and lighter than a feather.1
Organic polymers are the most important components of flexible electronic
devices since they play a key role in conductivity. Researchers prefer organic
electronics due to their relatively low cost compared to inorganic electronics
such as silicone. Organic polymers are more resistant to harsh environment,
operating conditions and they do not break at high temperatures but they do
have to avoid large changes in temperature and pressure. They are more flexible
and stream at low temperatures and they are capable of forming thinner films. Polymer
conductors provide a wide range of electrical conductivity which sustained from
bending or stretching since they contain high conductivity and provide
electromagnetic shielding of electronic circuits.2
Japanese
researchers from the University of Tokyo, developed integrated circuits in an
effort to be used in a variety of healthcare applications including sensitive
skins. These healthcare applications include wearable healthcare sensor
systems, welfare machines such as wheel chairs, tough sensors for sports usage,
and sensors for medical electronic equipment. Imperceptible electronics were
being monitored in which large sheets of organic transistor based integrated
circuitry were fabricated on polymer foils. Scientists transformed inflexible
electronic devices into flexible ones by shaving off an ultrathin layer from
the top silicon wafer. Scientists use the shaving process in order to
manufacture parts for wearable electronics.3
Researchers are
developing ultrathin electronics that can be positioned on the skin as a
provisional tattoo in which these new devices will pave the way for sensors
that monitor heart and brain activity without massive equipment. Researchers
are developing new forms of integrated electronics to track the path of disease
without the use of bulky equipment. Roger’s group experimented a device the
size of a postage stamp to a person’s chest to pick up electrical signals
produced by the heart which had very similar measurements to those produced by a
hospital electrocardiogram.4
References
1.
Jacoby, Mitch. “Lighter, Flexible Stretchy Electronics”. (2013) Science and Technology 91 (51).
2. Gates, Byron D.
“Flexible Electronics”. (2009). Science
323 (5921).
3.
Curtis, Sophie. “‘Imperceptible Electronics’: Robotic Skins Unveiled”. (2013) The Telegraph.
4.
Cartwright, Jon. “‘Electronic Skin’ Grafts Gadgets to Body”. (2011) Science Now 3. http://news.sciencemag.org/2011/08/electronic-skin-grafts-gadgets-body
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