Flexible Stretchable Imager Homogeneous Substrate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodetection technologies for flexible and stretchable imagers require complex fabrication techniques, expensive materials, and intricate micro-lenses, limiting their practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and stretchable imager design featuring a first and second rigid substrate with a flexible and stretchable arm made of the same material, such as doped semiconductor or polymer, which allows for flexibility and stretchability without the need for complex fabrication or expensive materials, using a method where photodetectors are formed on the substrates and connected by a patterned flexible arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor nanowires and nanomembranes are used to connect rigid substrates, then flexible and stretchable imaging is achieved, but fabrication complexity increases and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same material (e.g., silicon) for both the rigid substrates and the flexible/stretchable connecting structures. This homogeneity allows all components to be fabricated using identical CMOS processes, eliminating the need for separate nanowire/nanomembrane fabrication techniques and significantly reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining flexibility and stretchability
Solution Approach 2:
The imager is divided into discrete rigid substrate modules connected by flexible arms. Each substrate carries photodetectors and can be independently fabricated, then assembled into various configurations. This modular segmentation enables flexibility in device assembly and simplifies the overall fabrication process by allowing standardization of components
2Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor nanowires and nanomembranes are used to connect rigid substrates, then flexible and stretchable imaging is achieved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using the same bulk semiconductor material for substrates and connecting structures, the patent eliminates the need for expensive nanoscale material synthesis. Standard CMOS-compatible materials and processes are used throughout, significantly reducing material costs while achieving the required mechanical flexibility through geometric design rather than material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves flexibility and stretchability through geometric parameters (thin film thickness, arm configuration, substrate spacing) rather than by changing material properties to expensive nanomaterials. This parameter-based approach maintains cost-effectiveness while achieving the desired mechanical behavior
3Measurement precision
If intricate micro-lenses are used, then imaging quality improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates optical functions directly into the photodetector structures and substrate design, eliminating the need for separate micro-lens components. Optical path control is achieved through the geometric arrangement of rigid substrates and flexible arms, merging structural and optical functions into a unified design that reduces overall device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high flexibility and stretchability, with a maximum flexibility of 700% and stress concentration in the flexible arms, while maintaining the rigid substrates in a stress-free state, enabling efficient image capture and processing with improved mechanical properties and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and stretchable arm connected to the first and second rigid substrates. The first rigid substrate, the second rigid substrate, and the flexible and stretchable arm are made of a same material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A flexible and stretchable imager includes a first rigid substrate carrying at least one first photodetector, a second rigid substrate carrying at least one second photodetector, and a flexible and stretchable arm connected to the first and second rigid substrates. The first rigid substrate, the second rigid substrate, and the flexible and stretchable arm are made of a same material.