Mechanics of flexible electronics and photonics based on inorganic micro- and nanomaterials

Flexible electronics and photonics are providing revolutionary solutions for communication, energy, and health care. While some of the organic electronic and photonic materials are intrinsically deformable and low cost to manufacture, their performance and chemical stabilities are yet to match conventional inorganic semiconductors. Strategies for high performance flexible electronics and photonics must overcome challenges associated with the intrinsic stiffness and brittleness of inorganic materials. This paper discusses recent modeling and experimental advancement in the bendability and stretchability of inorganic electronics and photonics. Examples include the discovery of multiple neutral axes in multilayer structures and the comparison between freestanding and polymer-bonded serpentine ribbons.