Multi-modal Flexible Optoelectronics for Optical Wireless Data Transfer and Systolic Blood Pressure Monitoring

Abstract

As the global population ages, the demand for advanced medical electronic devices for continuous physiological monitoring and functional support has grown rapidly. In modern medical electronics, real-time data acquisition is essential. However, conventional devices often rely on rigid and bulky structures that cause physical discomfort and limit long-term patient compliance. While flexible electronics have emerged as a solution for conformal integration with biological tissues, critical challenges remain in establishing reliable wireless data communication for implants and realizing repetitive recalibration-free blood pressure monitoring for wearables. To address these limitations, this dissertation proposes the development of multi-modal flexible optoelectronics utilizing custom-made microscale light-emitting diodes （LEDs）, photodetectors （PDs）, and ultra-thin electrodes. The first part of this research introduces a bi-directional optical wireless communication system for implantable electronics. By transmitting light through biological tissues, the optical wireless device overcomes the electromagnetic interference （EMI） and MRI incompatibility inherent in conventional coil-based telemetry, enabling real-time, on-demand acquisition of vital signs. The second part presents a cuffless, multi-modal flexible sensor for continuous systolic blood pressure （SBP） monitoring by utilizing synchronized ECG and PPG signals. The unified model incorporating age, BMI, and a one-time offset compensation achieves clinical-grade accuracy satisfying ISO 81060-2 standards without the burden of frequent recalibration. Ultimately, the integration of these flexible optoelectronic platforms offers a robust and universal solution, significantly advancing both implantable telemetry and wearable cardiovascular monitoring for seamless daily healthcare.