Piezoresistive Strain Sensors and Multiplexed Arrays Using Assemblies of Single-Crystalline Silicon Nanoribbons on Plastic Substrates

This paper describes the fabrication and properties of flexible strain sensors that use thin ribbons of single-crystalline silicon on plastic substrates. The devices exhibit gauge factors of 43, measured by applying uniaxial tensile strain, with good repeatability and agreement with expectation based on finite-element modeling and literature values for the piezoresistivity of silicon. Using Wheatstone bridge configurations integrated with multiplexing diodes, these devices can be integrated into large-area arrays for strain mapping. High sensitivity and good stability suggest promise for the various sensing applications.