Work

Ultrafast pressure sensing with transient tunnelling currents

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: We report and systematically study large amplitude piezoresistance spikes in thin composite films under stress. These spikes are characterized by a unique double exponential decay which we demonstrate to be the signature of transient tunnelling currents. We establish an expression that predicts the dynamic conductivity of the composite with only three material parameters and use it to infer the magnitude of applied stress from resistance spikes, thus achieving quasi-instantaneous readout unhindered by viscoelastic relaxation. We demonstrate the proof of principle of ultrafast mechanoreceptors based on this effect by making a sensor array which images pressure at close to cinematic speeds with a sensitivity of 50 Pa.

Source: Nanoscale

DOI: 10.1039/c7nr01214d

Authors: Ashok S. Chauhan, Isaac Taylor-Harrod, Samuel D. Littlejohn, Alain Nogaret

Institution: University of Bath

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Awards: G1762173273, G5759246528, G82097228