Stretchable Spin Valves on Elastomer Membranes by Predetermined Periodic Fracture and Random Wrinkling

• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201201898
• Publication Date: 2012-10-05T07:15:05Z
• Authors: Michael Melzer; Gungun Lin; Denys Makarov; Oliver G. Schmidt
• Keywords: Silicon; Compressive Strength; Surface Properties; 0103 physical sciences; Magnetometry; Electrons; Dimethylpolysiloxanes; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 01 natural sciences; Elasticity

The first highly stretchable and sensitive spin valve sensor on elastomeric membranes are demonstrated. The sensor elements exhibit stable GMR behavior up to tensile strains of 29% in in situ stretching experiments and show no fatigue over 500 loading cycles. This remarkable stretchability is achieved by a predetermined periodic fracture mechanism that creates a meander-like pattern upon stretching.