Elastic antennas and radio frequency components
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Engineering
Abstract
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| Description | We have demonstrated that it is possible to print conductive inks onto the initially hydrophobic silicone rubber by microtexturing its surface with an array of micron-scale (in height, diameter and pitch) pillars. The electrical performance of plotted Ag ink conductors is similar to that of conductors with identical geometry printed on glass substrate. These conductors also withstand repeated mechanical stretching but fatigue quickly. One of the aims of the project was to produce stretchable micron-thick metallic conductors. We found evaporated thin gold films were far superior in terms of electromechanical performance than thick printed metallic conductors. Therefore most RF antennas were designed and produced using thin (<100nm thick) gold films. A range of stretchable RF antennas was simulated, fabricated, and performed well under mechanical stretching. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings have been disseminated widely and can be used by others in the flexible electronics arena. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Communities and Social Services/Policy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Energy,Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | They form part of the larger body of research in flexible electronics, and has led to several follow-on grants for the original PI, who is now in Switzerland. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Economic |