Innovative Pressure Sensor
The National Research Foundation of Korea announced on March 12 that a research team led by Yonsei University professor Shim Woo-young developed a nanoparticle-based and high-sensitivity flexible pressure sensor.
These days, a lot of attempts are being made for transparent and flexible wearable devices. However, complicated surface treatment processes have hindered the development and micro surface structures for higher sensitivity have hindered an increase in transparency.
The research team maximized the pressure detection performance of its sensor using a rough surface by means of silica nanoparticles protruding from the surface of the touch sensor. At the same time, the team realized a high level of transparency, preventing a change in color following passage of light through the touch sensor.
According to the team, the newly developed touch sensor can be produced in a simple way and can be used even on ordinary materials like OHP films. “The new pressure sensor achieved sensitivity and transparency at the same time,” the professor explained, adding, “We already succeeded in applying the sensor to blood pressure measuring devices and 3D touch keyboards, and the sensor is expected to be used in high-performance touch interfaces, wearable devices, and so on as well.” Details of the research have been published in the Small journal.