Work Package 1 (WP1): Miniaturized flexible pressure sensor, stretchable ultrathin-film assemblies, and RF antenna interfaces. This WP focused on designing a miniaturized capacitive-based pressure sensor and in-plane interconnections on flexible substrates. The pressure sensor was initially studied using finite element models (FEM) to optimize material and geometric parameters for intraocular pressure measurement. Understanding how geometry and materials influence initial capacitance and sensitivity is crucial for tuning the capacitive sensor. The expertise of IMEC in stretchable electronics provided the basis for fabricating the in-plane thin-film circuitry.
Work Package 2 (WP2): Smart autonomous flexible platform. WP2 focused on the fabrication of a miniaturized capacitive-based pressure sensor. The workflow included optimizing the processing steps for preparing the replica silicon mold, PDMS molding, lamination, and assembly of the first prototype. Each of these stages was methodically refined to maximize the sensor’s performance in a reproducible manner. With IMEC’s expertise in micro-structuring techniques, the MSCA Fellow successfully overcame technical challenges and produce a functional prototype.
Work Package 3 (WP3): Tracking the intraocular pressure dynamics. This WP took a slightly different direction from the initial plan, which aimed to monitor intraocular pressure (IOP) dynamics in living eyes. Instead, two custom-made experimental setups were developed to replace in vivo experimentation during the initial validation stage. One of these setups involved the development of an automated IOP control system designed to mimic the IOP dynamics in a realistic eye model. Additionally, a new methodology for full-field vibration analysis with high spatial resolution was designed and developed.
Project management & training activities: In parallel to the research aspects, the MSCA fellow has benefited by various training activities focused on obtaining experience with novel simulation tools, project management skills, as well as networking and interactions with diverse partners from industry and academia. The broad scope of the project which focused on optics and microelectronics, helped the researcher expand his area and scope of research interest significantly
