FlexEnable, ISORG launch flexible fingerprint sensor with 500 dpi resolution

Flexible organic electronics developer FlexEnable, and ISORG, a developer of organic photodetectors and large area image sensors in printed electronics, have jointly released a flexible fingerprint sensor with 500 dpi image resolution.

The companies say the new product is the only flexible fingerprint sensor that offers such high resolution, making it suitable for applications requiring standard-compliant fingerprint enrolment and/or identification.

The optical sensor is ultra-thin, light and robust, and can be seamlessly integrated into a range of products including fingerprint scanners, smartcards, mobile phones and wearables.

FlexEnable and ISORG have partnered with fingerprint scanner developer Green Bit to ensure that their flexible fingerprint sensor technology is ready for integration into products.

Additionally, the sensor has been paired with Green Bit’s image enhancement software to prove its ability to create FBI-certifiable images.

The high resolution of the flexible sensor is made possible by FlexEnable’s organic thin-film transistors (0.3 mm thick) that deliver a higher electrical performance than amorphous silicon and ensure low leakage levels.

ISORG is providing the photodiodes able to capture the fingerprint, and is developing all the reading electronics and the related algorithms.

The ISORG PLASMA development platform will accelerate sensor evaluation and product development for all customers.

In addition to detecting fingerprints, the sensor can capture each user’s unique finger vein pattern which requires the user to be alive for positive detection.

The technology enables large area sensors that can detect five fingers, which allows more information to be collected for additional security benefits.

Unlike traditional fingerprint sensors, FlexEnable’s and ISORG’s sensor can be curved and applied to nearly any surface. Also, the large area sensor can unlock new applications such as wrap-around fingerprint sensors for mobile phones or car steering wheels.

“The development of a 500 dpi plastic fingerprint sensor represents a major breakthrough in the commercialisation of flexible fingerprint sensors, paving the way for FBI-certification of low cost and flexible fingerprint sensors over large areas,” said Chuck Milligan, CEO of FlexEnable. “This will open the door to a wider range of applications including law enforcement, border control and high-security banking transactions. We are working with the whole supply chain to get this disruptive technology into products and welcome customers who are interested in integrating the sensor into their applications. “

FlexEnable, ISORG and Green Bit will be showcasing at Biometrics 2016 in London, UK from October 18 through 20.

Article Topics

biometric liveness detection  |  biometrics  |  finger vein  |  fingerprint sensors  |  FlexEnable  |  flexible  |  Green Bit