Peratech developing pressure-sensitive multitouch technology

A British firm named Peratech is developing a new type of touchscreen that using a clear composite material that bridges the gap between resistive and capacitive touchscreens. The company's Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC) Clear could make touchscreens thinner, more rugged, and more energy-efficient, while also being able to register pressure. The first product based on QTC Clear is expected to be available by year-end. More details at MIT Technology Review.

In addition to adding pressure sensitivity to screens, the company claims that the technology, called Quantum Tunneling Composite (QTC) Clear, could make touch screens thinner, more rugged, and more energy-efficient.

Peratech aims to bridge the gap between the two main touch-screen technologies: capacitive and resistive, says joint CEO Philip Taysom. Capacitive touch screens are found in mobile phones and tablets. They respond quickly to multiple fingers at a time, but rely on a grid of electrodes that constantly draw power when a screen is switched on; the bigger the screen, the more power the capacitive sensors gobble up.