Researchers make advance towards imperceptible plastic electronics
Researchers in Europe and Asia have developed what they claim to be the world's thinnest and lightest organic transistor ics.
Measuring just 2µm thick and weighing only 3g/m2, the devices were created on an ultra thin polymeric film with a thickness of 1.2µm.
According to the researchers, they can withstand repeated bending to radii of 5µm or less, can be crumpled like paper, accommodate stretching up to 230% on pre-strained elastomers, and can be operated at high temperatures and in aqueous environments.
Because manufacturing costs of organic electronics are potentially very low, the team sees the devices becoming as common in the future as cling film.
Applications include plastic electronics, tactile sensor foils for healthcare and monitoring, temperature and infrared sensors, displays and organic solar cells.
