Introduction to Medical Devices: Wearable and Soft Electronics for Healthcare

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts related to wearable and soft electronics, specifically focused on e-skin technology, its applications, and fabrication methods.

e-skin

A type of electronic device that mimics the functions of human skin and can be used in various healthcare applications.

Flexible bioelectronics

Bioelectronic devices that can bend and conform to different shapes, typically used in wearable technologies.

Photolithography

A process used in microfabrication to transfer geometric shapes on a mask to the surface of a silicon wafer.

Photoresist

Radiation-sensitive polymeric materials used in photolithography to produce circuit patterns.

Etching

A technique used in microfabrication to remove layers from the surface of a wafer.

Microcontact printing

A soft lithography technique used to transfer patterns by conformal contact of a stamp with an inked surface.

Lift-off process

A method in microstructuring that involves depositing a target material on a substrate and removing a sacrificial layer to leave behind a pattern.

Capacitive sensors

Sensors that detect changes in capacitance between two conductive plates to measure variables such as pressure.

Tactile sensing

The ability of a device to sense touch or pressure, mimicking human skin capabilities.

Transduction methods

Various techniques used to convert physical stimuli into measurable electrical signals.

Sputtering

A physical vapor deposition process where particles are ejected from a solid target material due to bombardment by energetic particles.

Thermistor

A type of temperature sensor whose resistance changes significantly with temperature, often made from ceramics and polymers.

Nanoimprint Lithography

A high-throughput technique used to create nanoscale patterns on substrates by pressing a template onto a polymer.

Screen printing

A printing technique used to transfer ink through a mesh screen to create patterns on various surfaces.

Roll-to-roll printing

A large-scale printing technique for flexible electronics that allows for continuous processing.

E-beam evaporation

A type of physical vapor deposition where an electron beam evaporates materials under high vacuum.

Silicon wafer

A thin slice of silicon used as a substrate for fabricating integrated circuits.

Biodegradable electronics

Electronic devices designed to break down and decompose in a natural environment.

Graffiti approach in microfabrication

A method of creating patterns using techniques similar to spraying graffiti, possibly referring to spray coating or inkjet printing.

Chemical sensing

The ability to detect and measure chemical substances in various environments, often using biosensors.

Prosthetic hand

An artificial limb designed to replace a missing hand, often incorporating sensors for enhanced functionality.

Biomedical applications

Uses of medical technology in healthcare settings, including diagnostics and patient monitoring.

Sensitivity

The ability of a sensor to detect small changes in the measured variable.

Electrode connection

The interface where electrical contact is made for sensor operation.

Thermal conductivity

The property of a material to conduct heat, impacting temperature sensor design.

Electrophysiological monitoring

The assessment of electrical activity in biological tissues, often using sensors.

Temporary tattoos

Skin-adhering sensors designed for short-term use to monitor physiological signals.

Existing approaches for temperature sensing

Various methodologies utilized in measuring temperature for diagnostic purposes.

Biomedical instrument

Devices used for diagnosing or monitoring medical conditions.

Strain sensor

A device that measures deformation or strain in a material or structure.

Conductance

The measure of how easily electricity flows through a material.

Neuronal sensing elements

Nerve cells that respond to stimuli, crucial for tactile sensing capabilities.

Pressure sensors

Devices that measure the force per unit area applied by a gas or liquid.

Organic digital mechanoreceptor

A bio-inspired device mimicking human mechanoreceptors, used in brain-machine interfaces.

Wireless power coil

A component used in wireless power transfer systems, essential for powering wearable devices.