Pyroelectrically Polarity Switched Electret for Flexible Invisible Digital Memory and Self-Powered Sensors

Abstract

Advancement and opportunity in the Internet of Things (IoT) and circular economy are pushing the technologies required to develop eco-friendly memory devices, computing devices, advanced sensors, and actuators. In this manuscript, a thermally cycled lithium niobate pyroelectric crystal is used to store the surface charges in different dielectric samples (Kapton, Parafilm, and Teflon). Charge storing parameters, such as the effect of temperature ramp, the gap between the dielectric-to-pyroelectric, and the effect of charging cycles, were studied to understand the surface charge formation on dielectric samples. Pyroelectrically charged dielectrics showed a surface potential of up to 400 V, with a linear dependence on the thermal gradient of the pyroelectric crystal. The charged surface showed good charge storage uniformity and stability at high temperatures (90 °C) and relative humidity (>85%). Using the pyroelectrically charged dielectrics, wearable motion sensors offering output signals in the range of tens of millivolts and a digital flexible invisible memory encoding with polarity switched (positive and negative charges) electrostatic bits are demonstrated.