Ultrafast pressure sensing with transient tunnelling currents

Abstract

We report and systematically study large amplitude piezoresistance spikes in thin composite films under stress. These spikes are characterized by a unique double exponential decay which we demonstrate to be the signature of transient tunnelling currents. We establish an expression that predicts the dynamic conductivity of the composite with only three material parameters and use it to infer the magnitude of applied stress from resistance spikes, thus achieving quasi-instantaneous readout unhindered by viscoelastic relaxation. We demonstrate the proof of principle of ultrafast mechanoreceptors based on this effect by making a sensor array which images pressure at close to cinematic speeds with a sensitivity of 50 Pa.