Harvard scientists have developed a soft and stretchable thermometer that can be integrated into electronic devices

The next generation of soft robots, smart clothing, and biocompatible medical devices will require integrated soft sensors that can stretch or twist depending on the needs of the device or the wearer. With traditional sensors, on the other hand, most components are rigid.

Recently, researchers at Harvard University developed a soft, stretchable, self-powered thermometer that can be integrated into stretchable electronic devices and soft robots.

The thermometer consists of three simple parts: an electrolyte, an electrode, and a dielectric material that separates the two. The electrolyte/dielectric interface accumulates ions, while the dielectric/electrode interface accumulates electrons. An imbalance of charge between the two creates an ion cloud in the electrolyte. When the temperature changes, the ion cloud changes thickness and generates a voltage. The voltage is sensitive to temperature, but not to stretching.

By arranging the electrolyte, dielectric and electrodes in different configurations, the researchers developed four temperature sensor designs. In one test, they integrated the sensor into a flexible fixture and measured the temperature of a hot boiled egg. The sensors were more sensitive than traditional thermoelectric thermometers and could respond to temperature changes in about 10 milliseconds.

Depending on the materials used, the thermometer can measure temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius or as low as -100 degrees Celsius.

Study author Marilyn M. Puckett said, We have developed soft temperature sensors with high sensitivity and fast response times, opening up new possibilities for creating soft robots in healthcare, engineering and entertainment.

The research paper, titled Temperaturesensingusingjunctionsbetweenmobileionsandmobileelectrons,hasbeenpublishedinProceedingsoftheNationalAcademyofSciences.

Foresight Economist APP Information Group

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