Organic Transistors Open the Way for New Applications

I recently read an article about a breakthrough in Japan on the use of organic field-effect transistors in the use of pressure-sensitive skin. The application is in the field of robotics and increasing the tactile sense through a dense array of sensors that can detect very slight changes in pressure. While this technology may appear to be off the beaten path for measurement and automation, I find it could have substantial use in practical, daily applications.

The cost of generating and using organic sensors is quite low. The process for creating the sensors is equivalent to a paper printing process. Also, the sensors can be placed in a tightly compacted space -- 16 sensors per square centimeter. As the world moves to ever smaller, ever faster, ever cheaper solutions -- organic transistors could play a part. To read the original paper you can click the following link:
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0401918101

If you are working in this area, please contact me, at hall.martin@ni.com.

Best regards,
Hall T. Martin