Network expands to 256 times its original size to bridge the micro and macro worlds

April 16, 2010 | Source: Physorg.com

To integrate a high-density array of nano/microdevices in macroscopic materials, Stanford University researchers have developed an effective way to bridge the micro and macro scales by designing a stretchable substrate network of microwires and micronodes that can be expanded from a few square centimeters to one square meter at low strain levels in the material, resembling a giant ultra-light spider web.

Expandable Network

Two micronodes are connected by a microwire that is arranged into loops and segments to enable low-strain stretching. (G. Lanzara, et al.)