Ancient arts inspire modern electronics

After several decades of dizzying electronics development - from personal computers and flip-phones to portable devices, smartphones and tablets - there are signs that technological breakthroughs are coming to a standstill. For example, your new iPhone is not significantly different from the previous one. And laptops almost all look the same - and work.

Engineers need new inspiration for innovation. A source, believe it or not, are ancient arts. For example, my work is inspired by Kirigami, a lesser-known cousin of origami folding art. You may have even made Kirigami as a child, folded and cut to make paper snowflakes. Materials inspired by these arts can be used to enhance smart apparel, build flexible smartphones, and make dentures easier.

Cut paper

The word Kirigami is the English name for the art of paper-cutting. Archaeologists say that Kirigami can be traced back to Japan before the 17th century. It is still a popular folk art in Asian countries where people make Kirigami to celebrate the Lunar New Year, newborn, marriage and other important events.

Usually Kirigami starts with a folded paper base that is cut, unfolded and flattened to get the final artwork. The intricate patterns create beautiful artworks based on mathematical and design principles that can alter the mechanical behavior of the material being cut. For example, a particular pattern may make the paper firmer or more stretchable.

A technical idea

Just as Kirigami practitioners cut and fold paper, engineers can cut and fold materials that can be integrated into electronic devices.

Recent innovations in energy-efficient electronics have produced portable electronic devices, high performance electronic ink paper, artificial electronic skin, and smart fabrics. However, many of these creations are based, at least in part, on traditional circuit boards, typically made of silicon and metals. They are hard and brittle - not good for the human body. People need clothes and paper and things that can handle curves and bends.

The research community and technology and apparel companies are committed to making electronic devices as flexible and flexible as possible. The trick is to make sure that the flexibility of these devices does not limit their ability to handle power.

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Let us turn to electronics

Recently, my research group at the University of Buffalo has produced a new, Kirigami-inspired, ductile electronic device. The device consists of self-assembled polymers and nanowires and is one centimeter wide. Alone, it could easily stretch - to only 1.06 inches. When cut with a Kirigami-inspired laser pattern, the same device can stretch up to 20 centimeters, 2,000 percent larger than its unstretched shape. The inherent elasticity of the material helps, but the pattern and orientation of the cuts are the main factor in how the device deforms.

What's more, the unit has 3,000 times more power through cutting, so the electronics can run faster or charging takes less time.

There are many other electronics researchers who are inspired by Kirigami. As our groups and others refine these types of materials, they can eventually be integrated into the electronic skin - much like temporary tattoos - to enhance the feel of prostheses and robots. Hospitals can also use E-skin patches to wirelessly monitor patients' vital signs. This will replace the annoying wires that can get tangled up or prevent people from sleeping in bed.

Stretchy electronics is also the key to Samsung's plans to bring out a flexible smartphone. And they could be central to smart apparel, an industry whose value analyst project could cost $ 4 billion by 2024. Hundreds of years ago, with artistic innovation, clothing and apparel could one day help athletes maximize their performance and monitor their health, provide people with chronic illnesses with vital information about themselves and their caregivers.