Realizing electronic devices and circuits on soft and temperature sensitive substrates poses a significant challenge for conventional fabrication technologies and semiconductor materials. Amorphous oxide-based semiconductors provide an option for the realization of transparent, large-area thin-film systems with excellent electrical performance which can also withstand the extreme mechanical loads caused by bending or stretching of the substrate. This unique set of properties is essential for truly unobtrusive wearable electronics able to conform to the shape and movement of everyday objects and the human body, or cheap and environmentally friendly sensor systems on biocompatible substrates. The already demonstrated performance of oxide-based thin-film transistors shows that they are ready to be used as integral part of high-speed, low-power, biomimetic or cost-efficient sensor, interface and communication systems. Such electronics will pave the way to novel applications including rollable displays, disposable sensor labels and PFID tags, electronic textiles, smart implants, as well as artificial skin.
The goal of this research topic is to provide a platform to present the latest developments in the field of flexible devices employing oxide semiconductors as active material. Here a focus is on the optimization of the electrical and mechanical performance for specific applications and the integration of oxide TFTs into flexible circuits e.g. for sensor conditioning, wireless data transmission. Only the combination of such active electronics with sensors and other devices will allow to leverage the full potential of flexible systems such as high quality signal acquisition close the signal source, imperceptible integration, as well cost-efficient large-area fabrication, and to provide data for smart logistics, telemedicine applications, smart assistance systems, or intuitive human machine interfaces. Consequently, specialized oxide devices and systems with abilities beyond the state of the art are vital for the future society by enabling e.g. artificial skins for healthcare and robotics, and systems for industry 4.0 applications.
This research topic will publish original research papers and focused reviews in areas relevant for flexible oxide based electronics. These may include:
• Performance and fabrication of flexible TFTs based on oxide semiconductors
• Simulation models, simulation, and design of flexible TFTs and circuits
• Integrated digital and analog circuits
• Novel materials e.g. for high-performance or biodegradable electronics
• Influence of strain and innovative solutions for highly bendable and stretchable applications
• Reliability, and stability of oxide semiconductors and devices
• Innovative substrates and fabrication techniques
• System integration of flexible circuits, sensors, antennas, energy sources etc.
• Applications of flexible/wearable sensor, display or communication systems
Keywords: Thin-film transistors, Oxide semiconductors, Circuits, Sensor conditioning, Wearable electronics
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
