Scientists from NTU Singapore have developed ultra-thin semiconductor fibers that can be incorporated into fabrics, transforming them into smart wearable electronics. Their research has been published in the journal Nature.
In order to achieve semiconductor fibers that function reliably, they must be flexible and free of defects to ensure stable signal transmission. The team at NTU conducted modeling and simulations to address the challenges of stress and instability typically encountered during manufacturing. Through meticulous material selection and precise production steps, they successfully created defect-free fibers that are flexible and span up to 100 meters, indicating potential market scalability.
Prototypes were developed to showcase the quality and functionality of these fibers, including a smart beanie hat for the visually impaired, a shirt with information transmission capabilities, and a smartwatch with a flexible sensor for heart rate monitoring during physical activities.
The interdisciplinary effort behind this innovation by NTU's team led to a breakthrough in semiconductor fiber development, enabling the creation of long-lasting, cost-effective, and high-performance fibers suitable for various applications.
Moving forward, the team plans to explore different materials and hollow core shapes to further expand the potential applications of these semiconductor fibers in wearable technology.
