Whilst printed films are currently used in varied devices across a wide range of fields, research into their development and properties is increasingly uncovering even greater potential. Printed films provides comprehensive coverage of the most significant recent developments in printed films and their applications. Materials and properties of printed films are the focus of part one, beginning with a review of the concepts, technologies and materials involved in their production and use. Printed films as electrical components and silicon metallization for solar cells are discussed, as are conduction mechanisms in printed film resistors, and thick films in packaging and microelectronics. Part two goes on to review the varied applications of printed films in devices. Printed resistive sensors are considered, as is the role of printed films in capacitive, piezoelectric and pyroelectric sensors, mechanical micro-systems and gas sensors. The applications of printed films in biosensors, actuators, heater elements, varistors and polymer solar cells are then explored, followed by a review of screen printing for the fabrication of solid oxide fuel cells and laser printed micro- and meso-scale power generating devices. With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors, Printed films is a key text for anyone working in such fields as microelectronics, fuel cell and sensor technology in both industry and academia.

The vast expansion of the sensor and actuator field in recent years has necessitated the creation of a handbook series to clarify scientific developments.

First in the new series, Handbook of Sensors and Actuators, which will examine a broad range of topics across the discipline, this volume explores thick-film technology. The area has already achieved a high rank in the families of advanced solid sensor technologies but there has been limited acknowledgement of its future potential. This publication aims to increase the involvement of internationally recognised sensor experts by suggesting possible directions for further investigation. In this pursuit, it disseminates the data identifying the actual performances and applications of thick-film sensors manufactured all over the world and presents ideas underlying current activities in the research and development of new devices.

Three major areas are explored in which thick film technology contributes as a sensor technology, namely: hybrid circuits for signal processing (in combination with either thick-film sensing elements or transducing elements derived from other technologies), creation of architectural structures (eg. multilayer structures, integrated chips with chemical sensing elements, sensor arrays) and transducing elements derived from thick-film pastes. However, the unique properties and chances offered by thick-film technology for sensor manufacture might not be appreciated without emphasis on both scientific and technological features which are either common or distinguished from those of the major alternative technologies, namely silicon, thin films and ceramic. These are therefore also considered, enabling the volume to offer a balanced view of the state-of-the-art in this exciting field.