Thin-film transistors deliberately comprising rectifying source contacts have attractive properties for sensor and driver circuits: high performance uniformity and geometrical tolerance; superior saturation; and high intrinsic gain. The paper reviews the source-gated and multimodal thin-film transistor configurations, and presents their proposed applications to ultra-compact sensing and data processing circuits. Source-gated transistors with nanoscale tunneling contacts offer an alternative to the Schottky-contact fabrication route, which presents processing challenges. Emerging multimodal transistors overcome limitations of traditional contact-controlled devices and add to the list of useful properties: high gain or constant transconductance by design; immunity to drain voltage variations in floating gate configuration; and a significantly faster response time than source-gated transistors. These devices form the foundation for the design of compact, yet extremely versatile, thin-film circuits for sensing, signal conditioning and signal conversion. Finally, a vision is presented in which the properties of these circuits will be essential to convey seamless user interactivity to physical objects, transforming them into intuitive user interfaces beyond traditional displays screens.
Radu Sporea, Brice Le Borgne, Samuli Yrjänä, Sirpa Nordman, Tapio Ritvonen, Anu Seisto, George Revill, Miroslav Bober, Alan Brown, Caroline Scarles, David Frohlich
KEYWORDS: Sensors, Printing, Electronics, Microcontrollers, Data communications, Control systems, Light sources and illumination, Prototyping, Digital electronics
Paper and ink have been continually evolving since their invention. Conventional printing quality and cost is constantly improving, yet only few examples of commercial embedded electronics on paper exist. This is due to the fact that inks with optical and electronic properties do not suit conventional paper and are still challenging to print reliably. In this project, we aim to develop a new generic mass media “next generation” paper. We present the challenges and progress on book augmentation, using printing technologies such as screen printing and roll-to-roll fabrication. This first step aims to create an augmented book prototype via hybrid integration of optical sensors in its pages and by embedding energyefficient control and communication electronics in the cover. The system senses user interaction and, through wireless connectivity, presents the user with relevant, updated digital content on an adjunct device. The proposed fabrication sequence has been developed with close attention to the requirements of industrial scale-up.
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