I stick mobile phone 'epidermal Electronics "

Maybe James Bond and there is hidden in a clock radio or laser in the lighter - but it's child's play compared to what promises to technology of electronic tattoos.
Ultra-thin electronic chip can be applied to the skin as easily as temporary tattoos - they can be used as sensors, control devices or even completely separate devices.
Such was not used without any significant progress that was made in recent years in the field of flexible electronics. Typically, these components are, or stamping the thin flexible substrate on a chip, or - more difficult but more effective - making herself out of flexible materials. For example, organic conductors (see "Flexible era "), or carbon nanotubes. The latter option is particularly interesting.For example, several years ago, Japanese developers have demonstrated the conductive material, which is something like a grid of nanotubes - in this case it may last more than a third of their usual length.
However, none of the approaches can not create anything as flexible and elastic, like our own skin. Therefore, recently, the U.S. materials scientists, led by John Rogers (John Rogers) and his colleagues from Singapore and China have proposed a new approach to electronic devices, mechanical properties are comparable to those of human skin. This - "epidermal" electronic devices, which are applied directly to the skin in the manner of a temporary tattoo glued, securing water. Medical sensors, MP3 players or mobile phones can - in principle, whatever.
Actually, Rogers and his team are already known to our readers for its exotic ideas - sewn LED (" light under the skin ") or implants on the basis of silk (" ready to implement . ") At this time, the authors supported his reputation: "The skin - one of the most natural places for the integration of electronics - says Rogers - This is the largest organ of our body is the primary source of information and interface to the outside world."
Application of chips on the skin was made possible by advances in several areas. First, Rogers and his group engaged in miniaturization of electronic components: they can now get flat diodes, transistors, etc. so flat that they do not differ much from the natural roughness of the skin. Second, it was obtained a transparent flexible substrate material, density and elasticity of which most are close to those of the skin. It is easy to stick to it, beautifully and quietly kept to a day or more. Third, the complex was done by computer simulation to find the optimal distance between the conductors and components: if to place them too close, the device will lose flexibility and would be easy to peel off the skin.
Only then the authors proceed directly to the creation of the first such devices. One of them - about the size of a postage stamp - is applied to the chest and allows you to shoot the electrical activity of the heart, passing the data to the electrocardiograph. According to scientists, working chip is not much worse than the traditional large electrodes with gel and adhesive tape that keeps them on the skin. In addition, the device was created with a microphone stuck on the throat and transmits a signal to the computer and the software will recognize the basic voice commands - "up" "down", "left" and "right." Theoretically, such a gadget can give people with limited mobility the opportunity to use a computer and operate other devices.
Rogers and colleagues demonstrated separately, and other possible solutions for the "epidermal electronics," including the skin caused by solar panels. In fact, the prospects - are endless.