Linear Tactile Nanodevice with Resolution on Par with Human Finger

A large area thin-film nanodevice made by self-assembly containing electroluminescent nanoparticles is reported. The ~100 nm thick device on application of potential across the top and bottom surface of the film converts local pressure to light. The intensity of the electroluminescent light is linearly proportional to the applied local compressive stress. By imaging the light, the stress distribution over the area of contact is obtained at resolution on par with human finger.