Broadband-Responsive Rubbery Stretchable Vertical-Structured Photodetectors Based on Rubbery Stretchable Transparent Conductors

Abstract

A rubbery stretchable conductor with high conductivity and transparency is crucial for the development of rubbery stretchable vertical-structured photodetectors. However, the development of such a rubbery conductor is still nascent. Here, we report the scalable manufacturing of rubbery stretchable transparent conductors (RSTCs) and the development of a rubbery stretchable vertical-structured photodetector (RSVPD). The RSTC is fabricated into a specialized micromesh structure by utilizing a close-packed monolayer of polystyrene microspheres as a mask. The micromesh structure not only enhances the conductor's stretchability and transparency but also maintains its conductivity, making it ideal for various applications in stretchable electronics. The RSTCs are used to construct RSVPDs that have high response over a broad spectrum, and their electrical performances can be retained even when subjected to mechanical strains of up to 50%. Furthermore, a stretchable imager based on RSVPD was developed to detect the multipoint light distribution. Lastly, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor was also developed for real-time health monitoring.