Abstract:
Flexible electronic structure and methods for fabricating flexible electronic structures are provided. An example method includes applying a first layer to a substrate, creating a plurality of vias through the first layer to the substrate, and applying a second polymer layer to the first layer such that the second polymer forms anchors contacting at least a portion of the substrate. At least one electronic device layer is disposed on a portion of the second polymer layer. At least one trench is formed through the second polymer layer to expose at least a portion of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer is removed by exposing the structure to a selective etchant to providing a flexible electronic structure that is in contact with the substrate. The electronic structure can be released from the substrate.
Abstract:
Encapsulated conformal electronic devices, encapsulated conformal integrated circuit (IC) systems, and methods of making and using encapsulated conformal electronic devices are presented herein. A conformal IC device is disclosed which includes a flexible substrate, electronic circuitry attached to the flexible substrate, and a flexible multi-part encapsulation housing encasing therein the electronic circuitry and flexible substrate. The multi-part housing includes first and second encapsulation housing components. The first encapsulation housing component has recessed regions for seating therein the electronic circuitry, while the second encapsulation housing component has recessed regions for seating therein the flexible substrate. First encapsulation housing component optionally includes a recessed region for seating therein the flexible substrate. Either housing component may include one or more projections that pass through holes in the substrate to engage complementary depressions in the other housing component to thereby align and interlock the encapsulation housing components with the flexible substrate and electronic circuitry.
Abstract:
Encapsulated conformal electronic devices, encapsulated conformal integrated circuit (IC) sensor systems, and methods of making and using encapsulated conformal electronic devices are presented herein. A conformal integrated circuit device is disclosed which includes a flexible substrate with electronic circuitry attached to the flexible substrate. A flexible encapsulation layer is attached to the flexible substrate. The flexible encapsulation layer encases the electronic circuitry between the flexible substrate and the encapsulation layer. For some configurations, the encapsulation layer and flexible substrate are fabricated from stretchable and bendable non-conductive polymers. The electronic circuitry may comprise an integrated circuit sensor system with multiple device islands that are electrically and physically connected via a plurality of stretchable electrical interconnects.
Abstract:
An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.