Phototriggerable Transient Electronics: Materials and Concepts

Transient electronics is an emerging field oftechnology where the controlled, programmable vaporizationof a device is needed because retrieval is not possible or adifferent form of disposal is desired. Decomposable polymersare of interest and may be used to form electronic componentsand packages. The ability to trigger these polymers todepolymerize and vaporize at ambient conditions can lead tomany applications. Low ceiling temperature polyaldehydeshave been evaluated for transience. Incorporation of morevolatile monomer units significantly increase the evaporationrate of decomposition products. The stimulus fordisappearance is a photochemical reaction that has beenextended from the ultraviolet to the visible region. Chemicalamplification of the trigger source has been demonstrated withacid amplifiers.