Figure 1: A semiconductor device with copper wires soldered onto its conductive pads, as seen through a microscope.
(Notice my fingerprints on the kapton tape in the background for reference of scale)
(Notice my fingerprints on the kapton tape in the background for reference of scale)
MIT Materials Laboratory | Yoel Fink
Cambridge, MA
June-August 2022
helloThis research project was focused on the development of multimaterial, multifunctional fibers and textiles by introducing discrete semiconductor devices into fibers via thermal-drawing.
As an undergraduate research assistant, I aided in determining the best way to electrically connect the semiconductor devices within the fibers as well as tested prototypes. I soldered 80+ micro-scale semiconductor devices and extruded elastomer preforms to create computational, multifunctional fibers for sensing and communication in wearable smart textiles. Additionally, I designed experimental setups, developed test methods, and performed hands-on testing and validation.
Paper Published in Nature
helloFabrics offer intriguing properties, from high dynamic bending elasticity to high strength to being extremely lightweight. Despite their functionality, the use of fabrics has primarily been limited to clothing, bags, blankets, etc. This project attempts to extend the applications of fibers and textiles to technology. By introducing semiconductor devices into polymer fibers, the
goal is to produce in-fiber electronic devices of various functionalities, from thermal sensing to communication.
The process used to fabricate these fibers is called thermal-drawing. The first step is to prepare a preform, which is essentially an enlarged precursor to the fiber. The preforms are made from a thermoplastic elastomer. By forming precise slots in these polymer slabs, wires, microprocessors, and other material constituents can be inserted into the preform. The preform is then held in place within the furnace of a draw tower and, once sufficiently heated, is drawn, or stretched, into its final size and shape. During this stage, the wires and devices make contact with each other to produce the electrical junctions needed to make the fiber function as intended.
At the time I joined this project, the group was trying to determine the best method to introduce the semiconductor devices into the fibers depending on their function. They were also exploring different methods to incorporate these functional fibers into fabrics—such as weaving, knitting, and other techniques commonly used in clothing-production.
Figure 2: Lab setup for soldering the semiconductor devices onto thin copper wire under a microscope. The wire with devices is inserted into the preform before the fiber is drawn.
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