The flexible detectors are also able to detect harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer. Similar to nicotine patches, the new detectors can be stuck on the skin.
[Translation by Dr. Nachmani Moshe]
Researchers have developed wearable detectors capable of detecting harmful ultraviolet radiation as well as dangerous and toxic gases.
Transparent and flexible electronic components that can be worn on the skin or integrated into our clothing - bringing the inventions we saw in science fiction movies closer to our everyday lives. The researchers point out that these detectors can also be placed inside work and safety equipment for the detection of dangerous gases. "Hydrogen leaks can cause explosions as happened in the Hindenburg disaster and nitrogen dioxide gas is a major factor in the formation of smog," explains the lead researcher. "The ability to monitor the presence of such gases in production facilities and coal-fired power plants provides an essential early warning of explosions, while the ability to detect the gas nitrogen dioxide enables regular monitoring of pollution levels in dense cities."
The paper's lead author, Philipp Gutruf, says the flexible detectors are also able to detect harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer. Similar to nicotine patches, the new detectors can be stuck on the skin. In the future, the detectors will be able to be integrated into electronic devices to perform constant monitoring of ultraviolet radiation levels and warn the user when the radiation reaches harmful levels.
In order to sense the ultraviolet radiation, the researchers used zinc oxide - the substance found in most types of tanning creams in the form of a fine powder. The researchers claim that the detectors are cheap and sustainable - features that will cause these detectors and flexible electronic components to become an integral part of our daily lives. The research findings were published in the scientific journal Small.
