An ultrathin, rapidly fabricated, flexible giant magnetoresistive electronic skin

Junjie Zhang, Zhenhu Jin, Guangyuan Chen, Jiamin Chen

Microsystems & Nanoengineering · 2024 · 25 citations · 35 references

DOIFull text

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Concepts

TL;DR

Electronic wearables have surged, and flexible magnetoelectronic skins—key to a new magnetic sense—are limited by low sensitivity, field constraints, and challenges in efficient, non‑destructive delamination. This study introduces a touchless interactive device that employs a flexible giant magnetoresistive sensor array. The array was fabricated via an electrochemical delamination process, yielding an ultra‑thin, non‑destructive flexible electronic system. The sensor sustains a 90° bending angle and retains performance after repeated flexing while enabling non‑contact interaction and pressure sensing, thereby advancing high‑performance flexible magnetic sensors.

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of electronic wearables, among which flexible magnetoelectronic skin has emerged as a key component. This technology is part of the rapidly progressing field of flexible wearable electronics, which has facilitated a new human perceptual development known as the magnetic sense. However, the magnetoelectronic skin is limited due to its low sensitivity and substantial field limitations as a wearable electronic device for sensing minor magnetic fields. Additionally, achieving efficient and non-destructive delamination in flexible magnetic sensors remains a significant challenge, hindering their development. In this study, we demonstrate a novel magnetoelectronic touchless interactive device that utilizes a flexible giant magnetoresistive sensor array. The flexible magnetic sensor array was developed through an electrochemical delamination process, and the resultant ultra-thin flexible electronic system possessed both ultra-thin and non-destructive characteristics. The flexible magnetic sensor is capable of achieving a bending angle of up to 90 degrees, maintaining its performance integrity even after multiple repetitive bending cycles. Our study also provides demonstrations of non-contact interaction and pressure sensing. This research is anticipated to significantly contribute to the advancement of high-performance flexible magnetic sensors and catalyze the development of more sophisticated magnetic electronic skins.

References

35