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Stretchable and Tunable Microtectonic ZnO‐Based Sensors and Photonics
Author(s) -
Gutruf Philipp,
Zeller Eike,
Walia Sumeet,
Nili Hussein,
Sriram Sharath,
Bhaskaran Madhu
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
small
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.785
H-Index - 236
eISSN - 1613-6829
pISSN - 1613-6810
DOI - 10.1002/smll.201500729
Subject(s) - materials science , stretchable electronics , elastomer , electronics , substrate (aquarium) , nanoscopic scale , nanotechnology , photonics , flexible electronics , nanometre , optoelectronics , thin film , wearable technology , wearable computer , computer science , composite material , electrical engineering , oceanography , geology , embedded system , engineering
The concept of realizing electronic applications on elastically stretchable “skins” that conform to irregularly shaped surfaces is revolutionizing fundamental research into mechanics and materials that can enable high performance stretchable devices. The ability to operate electronic devices under various mechanically stressed states can provide a set of unique functionalities that are beyond the capabilities of conventional rigid electronics. Here, a distinctive microtectonic effect enabled oxygen‐deficient, nanopatterned zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films on an elastomeric substrate are introduced to realize large area, stretchable, transparent, and ultraportable sensors. The unique surface structures are exploited to create stretchable gas and ultraviolet light sensors, where the functional oxide itself is stretchable , both of which outperform their rigid counterparts under room temperature conditions. Nanoscale ZnO features are embedded in an elastomeric matrix function as tunable diffraction gratings, capable of sensing displacements with nanometre accuracy. These devices and the microtectonic oxide thin film approach show promise in enabling functional, transparent, and wearable electronics.