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Silicon Circuits That Bend and Stretch
Matty the Monkey brings us a story from the BBC about silicon chips which can bend, flex, and even stretch. Researchers have developed a method to create circuits just 1.5 microns thick, which can then be bonded to a type of rubber to allow a great degree of flexibility. Scientists and companies see uses for these circuits in products ranging from "electronic paper" to form-fitting sensor devices to advanced brain implants. From BBC News:
"To create the foldable chips, these circuit layers are deposited on a polymer substrate which is bonded in turn to a temporary silicon base. Following the deposition of the circuits, the silicon base is discarded to reveal delicate slivers of circuitry held in plastic. These are then bonded to a piece of pre-strained rubber. When the strain is removed, the rubber snaps back into shape, causing the circuits on the surface to wrinkle accordingly."
I, for one, welcome back our (5.25") floppy overlords!
Punch the monkey!
...because you can stretch your rubber wafer out, put a 45nm circuit on it, let go and there you have a 20nm one at no extra cost!
*checks for patents*
Does it mean that Uri Geller found a new job ?
I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous.
The United States Treasury will implement this into our denominations quickly. This will allow the dollar to stretch to cover any government spending; and include digital signatures in every bill to thwart counterfeiting. Also, this will make the cash more versatile. Authorized agents of the Treasury, say banks with financial issues, could reconfigure the denomination of the dollars on deposit in their institution -- save all that hassle of having the government bail them out. Keep track of the latest action on American Idol as the picture in the center will show who was voted out last week. Automatic chemical analyzers would notice the composition of the substances on your fingers; FDA agents would should up when high quality cocaine was detected and ask you to cut the product more so American consumers don't hurt themselves.
The possibilities for government intervention are just endless.....
Every mans' island needs an ocean; choose your ocean carefully.
Do you really want your condom to tell you you're not good at it too? I mean, being chastised by your partner is one thing, but the condom too? You must be a glutton for punishment.
"Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional."
Does that mean I'll be able to buy a new PCI-E video card and just squish it into my PCMCIA slot? Will there be drivers for that?
I don't believe you, I'm here for a seat on the secret spaceship.