A stretchable radio frequency (RF) radiation sensor that combines a microfluidic antenna and rigid electronic circuits has been developed by scientists in Sweden. This could open the way to reliable and durable second skin sensors for monitoring health.
Flexible electronics are used in applications such as cameras, computer keyboards and photovoltaic cells. Some success has been found with stretchable antennas but the connection between the stretchable material and the rigid circuits still results in strain and loss of device sensitivity. To make wearable devices, electronics not only need to be flexible but they also need to be stretchable to truly conform to skin. Unfortunately, development from a flexible to a stretchable device has remained an elusive goal.
Now, Shi Cheng and Zhigang Wu from Uppsala University have developed a hybrid technology that combines conventional rigid circuitry with a substrate making a device that can bend, twist and stretch
IMAGE: Flexible microfluidic sensor responds to radio frequency signals
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Link to journal article
Microfluidic stretchable RF electronics
Shi Cheng and Zhigang Wu, Lab Chip, 2010
DOI: 10.1039/c005159d
