Transparent Wearable 3D touch: Self-generated Multiscale Structure Engineered by Laser-induced Thermal Gradient

Abstract

Pressure-sensitive touch panels provide an intuitive and natural method to sketch and write with new levels of control and interactivity. However, they require a combination of sensors or a stylus-based interface to identify 3D signals, which prevents their implementation in a wide spectrum of applications. Here, we report a transparent and flexible 3D touch which operates in a single device with the assistance of multiscale structures and a nanowire percolation network. The device could assign functionalities to objects without reference to any varying surfaces. Rigorous theoretical analysis allowed us to achieve the target pressure sensitivity, and successful 3D data acquisition was carried out through the 6-wire measuring technique. © 2019 The Author(s).