Stretchable touch sensitive keypad

Abstract

We present a multifunctional and stretchable capacitive sensor capable of accurately detecting large strains, pressure and human touch. The device is prepared as a plate capacitor with stretchable thin gold film electrodes. Using conventional patterning techniques, a 3x3 array of stretchable sensors is prepared and implemented as a largearea 9-node touch pad. The array can operate when worn around the wrist or subjected to large deformations (>10% strain), measure pressure (up to 160kPa) and register touch applied with a finger, a metallic or plastic stylus. © 2009.