Developing the non-developable: Creating curved-surface electronics from non-stretchable devices

The incorporation of electronics onto curved surfaces promises to bring new levels of intelligence to the ergonomic, aesthetic, aerodynamic, and optical surfaces that are ever-present in our lives. However, since many of these surfaces have two-dimensional (i.e., non-developable) curvature, they cannot be formed from the deformation of a flat non-stretchable sheet. This means that curved electronics cannot capitalize on the rapid technological advances taking place in the field of ultrathin electronics, since ultrathin devices, though ultra-flexible, are not stretchable. In this work, we present a shrink-based paradigm to apply such thin-film electronics to non-developable surfaces, expanding the capabilities of current non-developable electronics, and linking future developments in thin-film technology to similar developments in curved devices. We examine the wrinkling of parylene-based devices and the effects of shrinkage on common electrical components, culminating in shrinkable touch sensors and organic photovoltaics, laminated to various non-developable surfaces without loss of performance. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.