title: Ultrathin conformal devices for precise and continuous thermal characterization of human skin.
abstract: Precision thermometry of the skin can, together with other measurements, provide clinically relevant information about cardiovascular health, cognitive state, malignancy and many other important aspects of human physiology. Here, we introduce an ultrathin, compliant skin-like sensor/actuator technology that can pliably laminate onto the epidermis to provide continuous, accurate thermal characterizations that are unavailable with other methods. Examples include non-invasive spatial mapping of skin temperature with millikelvin precision, and simultaneous quantitative assessment of tissue thermal conductivity. Such devices can also be implemented in ways that reveal the time-dynamic influence of blood flow and perfusion on these properties. Experimental and theoretical studies establish the underlying principles of operation, and define engineering guidelines for device design. Evaluation of subtle variations in skin temperature associated with mental activity, physical stimulation and vasoconstriction/dilation along with accurate determination of skin hydration through measurements of thermal conductivity represent some important operational examples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
authors.forename: R Chad
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Bonifas
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Behnaz
authors.forename: Yihui
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ki Jun
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Huanyu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Mingxing
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Zuguang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bian
authors.forename: Zhuangjian
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yun-Soung
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Woon-Hong
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Yeo
authors.forename: Jae Suk
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Jizhou
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Yuhang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yonggang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Alexander M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gorbach
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004817:Epidermis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012146:Rest; D012881:Skin Temperature; D062125:Thermometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors
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