Compact capacitor could enable xenon flash for mobile devices

The capacitor, invented by Associate Professor Lee Pooi See from Nanyang Technological University’s School of Materials Science and Engineering, is to be commercialised in partnership with Xenon Technologies (XT). 

Made from layered polymers, the new capacitor is claimed to be at least four times smaller than current electrolytic capacitors and is several times faster than current ceramic-based capacitors.

The multi-layered polymer capacitor is also said to be able to deliver the same electricity charge needed to power high-intensity xenon flash lights matching those found in digital cameras.

Through the university’s Nanyang Innovation and Enterprise Office, NTU and XT entered into a Collaboration Agreement to research and develop a Multilayer Polymer Capacitor for xenon flash imaging applications.

Jack Tuen, CEO of Xenon Technologies said: ‘This project will yield a breakthrough solution for the digital imaging industry.

‘Our customers and consumers at large constantly demand for a proper xenon flash which can fit into increasingly smaller and beautiful form-factor mobile devices. This is the answer which fulfils that need.’