Active metallic surfaces

Could we create a ‘metallic’ surface that works as a touch-sensitive display?

The aim of this work is to create a surface that looks metallic, but is sufficiently transparent and non-conductive that a display and touch sensor can function through the surface. Using this technique, a hidden notepad could be incorporated into a device.

By using a combination of diffuser and reflector plastic films, we created a metallic surface that creates the visual effect of a full or partially metallic surface but allows the user to write on the surface using a digital pen.