Since the establishment of touch sensing as a ubiquitous input interface, there has been little innovation in UI, or, more appropriately on how to improve user experience. Exploiting touch to a deeper level seems to be a natural extension to today's two-dimensional touch sensors. This can be accomplished by the addition of force as a "third dimension" to enable a more natural and intuitive HMI. Using pressure/force as an added, analog input parameter unlocks a richer experience in the way we interact with our devices at home, in the office and in the car. To that end Peratech has developed a range of force-sensing solutions based on our proprietary QTC technology that exploit our brain's innate capacity to react to touch stimuli. From smart phones that can be squeezed to scroll, zoom in/out, or control volume, to power tools that control torque by the amount of pressure applied to the trigger, we aim to redefine the user experience and lead into a new era of HMI.

Dr. Tolis Voutsas is currently the VP of Technology at Peratech, Inc. focusing on the development of applications and business combining Thin Film Transistor arrays with Peratech's proprietary quantum-tunneling force sensing technology. Prior to that he held senior management roles in a number of corporations and startups in the display industry. During his 24-year industry tenure, he has participated in and led a wide variety of R&D projects across the whole spectrum of material, process, device, and system development for flat panel displays and sensor arrays. He has been responsible for several technology transfers to large-volume manufacturing and has led the development of new business in the space of flexible and wearable electronics. He received his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in 1994 with a doctoral thesis on advanced poly-Si material and device technologies for active-matrix LCDs. In 2000 he also received an M.S. degree in Management of Technology from Washington State University. He has authored over 60 papers in peer-reviewed journals, written 3 book chapters, has been awarded over 100 US patents, and has presented in numerous conferences and industry trade events. He has served as the VP of Americas Region for the Society for Information Display, in which he is currently a senior member.

Peratech's force sensors are based on Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC®) technology and bring a new dimension to tactile controls. QTC sensors make touch buttons, panels and displays far easier to use and can be used above, below or around rigid or flexible displays, or under a variety of materials. The QTC touch experience is intuitive, consistent and reliable, whatever the environment, even when using gloved fingers or in the presence of moisture.

Peratech's award-winning, thin and flexible QTC sensors come in single-point, 3D single-touch, and 3D multi-touch versions. Peratech Holdco Ltd. is a privately held company based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, UK.