Special issue on advanced flexible electronics for sensing applications [Scanning the Issue]

Hybrid means heterogeneous integration of conventional electronics with other electronic components that could be fabricated using conventional thin-film transistor (TFT) process technology by additive printing. The original intent was driven by the growth of displays and photovoltaics, and later by area lighting. All are based on electronics distributed over a large surface area and can provide excellent electrical performance. However, when fabricated on glass, they are heavy, breakable, and restricted as to placement. Thus, fabrication on substrates such as plastic would overcome those limitations while delivering a quality product in a variety of interesting form factors at lower manufacturing cost.