Flexible silicon expands application possibilities

Single-crystal semiconductor materials such as silicon (Si) and gallium arsenide have previously been transferred to flexible polymers to create thin-film transistors (TFTs) on plastic; however, the process is limited and cumbersome. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) have instead developed a simpler, more versatile transfer technique that allows them to create strained-silicon TFTs with high drive current and high transconductance, making them excellent candidates for use in displays, solar cells, and biosystem implants.