Smart-sensors, exploring the use of smart-polymers in organic electronics

有机电子，也被称为塑料或可印刷电子产品，使用聚合物或小碳基分子半导体，与传统的硅基半导体相比，使其固有的灵活性和较低的制造成本。目前基于有机电子技术的技术包括新型柔性电话和电视显示器、高效照明设备和塑料太阳能电池。随着对灵活、廉价技术的需求不断增加，人们相信对有机电路的需求将超过硅电子产品。这项研究将专注于制造另一种日益增长的塑料电子应用：高度特定的传感器。可穿戴传感器将检测关键生理参数，存储数据，并在需要时提供药物。廉价的有毒气体传感器将改善化学处理和人员安全。具有超快响应时间的高度特定的传感器将允许现场检测不同的分析物，从饮用水中的污染物到运动员使用的提高成绩的药物。压敏传感器可以给机器人带来触觉，也可以为烧伤患者恢复触觉。成功实施或改进这些装置中的任何一个都将对加拿大人和国际社会的生活产生重大影响。

Organic electronics, also known as plastic or printable electronics, use polymer or small carbon-based molecule semiconductors, making them inherently flexible with low manufacturing costs compared to traditional silicon based semiconductors. Current technologies based on organic electronics are novel flexible phone and television displays, highly efficient lighting with negligible heat production and plastic solar cells. With the increasing demand for flexible, inexpensive technology, it is believed that the demand for organic circuitry will exceed that of silicon electronics. This research will focus on the fabrication of another growing application of plastic electronics; highly specific sensors. Wearable sensors will detect key physiological parameters, store data and deliver drugs when needed. Inexpensive toxic gas sensors will improve chemical processing and personnel safety. Highly specific sensors with ultra-fast response times will allow for on-site detection of different analytes ranging from contaminants in drinking water to performance-enhancing drugs used by athletes. Pressure-sensitive sensors can give the sense of touch to robotics as well as restoring it for burn victims. Successful implementation or improvement of any of these devices will significantly impact the lives of Canadians and the international community.