University of Tokyo a thin display and adhesive that can be worn on the skin

In the context of a research project at the University of Tokyo is a particular extremely thin display was realized which can be applied directly to the skin. It is a particular film that integrates red LEDs, blue and green made with organic polymers. The prototype built by the researchers was used to detect the heart rate and the oxygen level in the blood.

The electronic devices consisting of inorganic LED and applicable to the epidermis have already been tested and proven in the past in the laboratory, but the prototype of the University of Tokyo is interesting for the particularity to make use, for the first time in this field, LED organic.

Similarly, researchers have been accomplished by organic and flexible electronic devices, but they have not been able to show good functionality in contact with air. This new version instead, can show a good operability to the air and in water, thanks to a particular structure that alternates layers of inorganic material to the organic material layers. The prototype is currently not yet ready for a possible marketing, since it is able to maintain an operational lifetime of a few days. Future developments may extend the operation in the order of weeks or months.

The organic LEDs allow, compared to the inorganic ones, a simpler realization of large-area devices. A disadvantage is the lower energy efficiency and greater sensitivity to environmental conditions, for example suffering from exposure to air, moisture, or to biological fluids. E 'therefore possible that in the future developments outlining a combination of the two approaches, organic and inorganic, as it seem to be complementary.

This kind of display, extremely thin and adhesive, when combined with equally thin sensors have the potential to transform some elements of everyday life. It does not make it necessary, for example, carry an external device for the monitoring of vital parameters, since it will wear directly on the skin. This means a long-term monitoring of greatest accuracy, the ability for sports and athletes to more easily access their workout information and a higher level of privaci, with the ability to display information in the palm of your hand.