NTU Singapore develops ultra-thin semiconductor fibres for wearable electronics

According to the researchers, to create reliably functioning semiconductor fibres, they must be flexible and without defects for stable signal transmission, but that existing manufacturing methods cause stress and instability leading to cracks and deformities in the semiconductor cores.

NTU Singapore conducted modelling and simulations to understand how stress and instability occur during the manufacturing process and found that the challenge could be overcome through material selection and a series of steps taken during fibre production.

Researchers successfully fabricated hair-thin, defect-free fibres that can span 100m and can be woven into fabrics using existing methods to develop wearable electronic prototypes.

In a statement, NTU Associate Professor and lead principal-investigator, Wei Lei, said: “The successful fabrication of our high-quality semiconductor fibres is thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of our team. Semiconductor fibre fabrication is a highly complex process, requiring know-how from materials science, mechanical, and electrical engineering experts at different stages of the study.