Tech: Stretchable sensor arrays

[dracodraconis]

Standford researchers have developed way to allow microchips to remain in communication with each other, even when the surface on which they are mounted expands. Each chip inhabits an island of silicon, surrounded by a coil of wire. When the material on which they are mounted is stretched, the coils unwind. They have been able to expand a surface to 50 times its original size, but were limited by the size of their equipment. The technology could eventually result in cheaper solar panels and sensor networks.