Scientists said that since a flat, planar sensor cannot flex without damaging its light-sensitive pixels, the new technology puts the strain on the wires, each flexing as much as 40 percent. Since the wires absorb the strain, the pixels are barely stressed, even when affixed to the retina-shaped housing of the new experimental camera.
The technology bypasses a traditional planar sensor of adjacent pixels and instead relies upon an array of pixels interconnected by small wires, according to researchers. Using a flexible, temporary backing, the researchers can form the array into a curved shape and then transfer the array to its permanent location affixed to a glass lens.
"Mechanics helps to reduce the stresses and strain in components, and guide and optimize the system design," said Yonggang Huang (pictured left), Joseph Cummings professor of civil and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering, Northwestern University, who worked with his team to model the mechanical properties of the design so that it could be manufactured.
