The latest advancement in wearable technology allows an ultra-thin display to be laminated to the skin and illuminate different colours.
Research from the University of Tokyo shows how a 3-micrometre ‘electronic skin’ can laminated onto a human hand and body and light up thanks to three-colour polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDS). The optoelectronic skin is made using PLEDS and organic photodetectors (OPDs).
According to New Scientists, despite e-skins being nothing new, “at 3 micrometres thick this is the thinnest yet.” Researchers also state that the skin is soft and comfortable to wear.
Although thin, the display is very durable and can emit electroluminescence even when crumpled. When combined with rubber substrates the skin also has the ability to stretch for applications.
Lead on the project, professor Takao Someya, believes the oe-skin has widespread potential and could change the everyday work environment. He commented: “A worker will be able to have building plans or an electrical diagram displayed on their skin without carrying heavy devices,” he says.
The e-skin has vast potential in medical environments to be use to create a display of a patient’s pulse or an oximeter monitoring blood oxygen concentration when laminated on a finger.
Video: New Scientist