Regensburg 2016 – scientific programme

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MA: Fachverband Magnetismus

MA 46: Magnetic Measurement Methods

MA 46.6: Talk

Thursday, March 10, 2016, 16:45–17:00, H33

Ultra-thin Magnetic Angle Sensor for On-Skin Interactive Electronics — •Gilbert Santiago Cañón Bermúdez, Dmitriy Karnaushenko, Daniil Karnaushenko, Denys Makarov, and Oliver G. Schmidt — Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, IFW Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Next generation flexible electronic devices aim to become fully autonomous and will require ultra-thin[1] and flexible navigation modules which often rely on magnetic angular sensors for position tracking. Unfortunately, current angle sensors are too thick and rigid, limiting their direct applicability in flexible electronics. In addition, their reliance on magnetically oriented sensing elements complicates their fabrication. Here, we address these challenges by introducing a novel ultra-thin angle sensor, which uses a puzzle-like approach to selectively orient and bond inorganic spin valve stacks onto ultra-thin polymeric films. This method allows us to produce angle detecting devices with thicknesses below 10 um. Furthermore, due to the excellent thermal stability of the polymer film, it is even possible to directly solder to the sensor contacts. Our experiments show that this ultra-thin sensor can withstand harsh treatment conditions while keeping its angle detection functionality. Moreover, it can be mounted on any curved surface or integrated directly on skin as an imperceptible sensoric aid. This feat opens a new door for interactive devices with magnetic cognition which could enhance the perceptual experience of both visually impaired and non-impaired individuals.

[1] M. Melzer et al., Nat. Commun. 6, 6080 (2015).