Remember when we started from room sized computers and spacious data storage equipment? Today, we pocket gigabytes of information and the entire computers as sleek, handy devices weighing no more than a few pounds. Technology is racing today at a breakneck speed. Every now and then, the world of IT is witnessing mind-boggling inventions.
One similar astonishing invention in the world of IT is the thinnest and lightest electronic circuit! It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say this feather light circuit is literally going to revolutionize the IT industry, perhaps even the biomedical sciences. Let us explore this cool science invention.
Weighing no more than 2 microns, this circuit has been designed by professors from the University of Tokyo. It has impressed the scientific community worldwide due to the extreme malleability and lightness. They have been dubbed as ‘imperceptible electronics’ that will not impair human movement if worn on the body.
But don’t let the circuit’s appearance fool you! It is not as fragile as it looks. The circuit is capable of bearing tensile strains as great as 233% or more. Although the technology behind this seemingly tiny electronic circuit is complex, the circuit does not cost an extravagant amount.
The circuits are primarily aimed for boosting biomedical healthcare techniques however; the future holds a lot of promise for this invention. These circuits have a bend radius of 5 microns, effectively providing them the desired mechanical bending capabilities. Currently, most biomedical healthcare devices rely on heavy silicon and plastic devices that hinder physical movement. You could literally wear this lightweight circuit forever and not even feel its presence!
They are extremely tough and being only 1/5 the thickness of a kitchen wrap, these circuits are capable of withstanding fall from heights of 1 meter or more. In lab tests, they have demonstrated immense durability.
The project has been tested successfully and is ready to be introduced into medical sciences by the end of 2017. This little device will probably provide millions of patients around the world, a comfortable and normal life. In these photos below, you can see how the grids are arranged on an ultrathin plastic sheet. Physical movement is totally unaffected by the circuit.
So, let’s hope and wait for the large scale launching of this revolutionary electronic circuit. Let a new era begin in medical healthcare and perhaps, the IT industry too.
