Keywords
Citation
(2003), "Ultrathin pulse gauge adheres to skin", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2003.08723cab.010
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
Ultrathin pulse gauge adheres to skin
Ultrathin pulse gauge adheres to skin
Keywords: Pulse, Sensors, Aluminium
The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, known as AIST, reports the development of an ultrathin, highly sensitive pulse-measurement device that adheres to the body like a patch. Using an aluminium nitride film that generates electricity when pressure is applied, the device's sensor "senses" the pulse as an electric signal. This sensor has promising uses in detecting arterioschlerosis and heart disease, said the AIST scientists.
It measures just 50 microns across and consists of two pieces of aluminium nitride film sandwiched between a trio of electrodes made from aluminium foil. According to officials, tests in which the patch was placed on the skin confirmed that the sensor can sense subtle movements of the skin so as to gauge the arterial pulses.
The thin device can easily be incorporated into bedding and other household products, and scientists expect that the sensor will be used as a home medical monitoring device, among other applications.