Ultrathin organic material created for electronic skin applications

The development of electronic skin for displaying medical information could be accelerated following the creation of a new ultrathin organic material.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have produced a high-quality protective film less than two micrometres thick with ultra-flexible qualities, allowing it to be used to create high-performance wearable electronic displays and other devices.

It is able to prevent passage of oxygen and water vapour in the air, extending the lifetime of the technology from a few hours to several days. The research group was able to attach transparent indium tin oxide electrodes to an ultrathin substrate without damaging it.

The technology has since been equipped with polymer light-emitting diodes and organic photodetectors, allowing for the creation of electronic skins that can display information on blood oxygen concentration or pulse rate.

Such innovations could be used in medical monitoring or to track performance in athletes, for example.

Professor Takao Someya at the University of Tokyo's graduate school of engineering said: "In addition to not having to carry a device with us at all times, they might enhance the way we interact with those around us or add a whole new dimension to how we communicate."