Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a substrate; a plurality of electrodes on the substrate; a phase change material on the plurality of electrodes; and a thermo-modifying element adjacent to the phase change material, wherein the thermo-modifying element changes a temperature of the phase change material. The change in temperature of the phase change material may change a capacitance between the plurality of electrodes. The thermo-modifying element may be integrated into the substrate. The thermo-modifying element may include a heater that raises a temperature of the phase change material to change from a solid state to a liquid state. The thermo-modifying element may include a layer of metal adjacent to the substrate, and wherein when electrical current flows through the layer of metal, the layer of metal forms a resistive heater and raises a temperature of the phase change material to change from a solid state to a liquid state.

Abstract: Self-cooling stretchable electrical circuits with a conduit forming an electrical component and containing electrically conductive liquid are disclosed. They are formed of a platform made of a stretchable material. At least one fluid conduit is formed in the platform and the conduit is formed into an electrical component and filled with the electrically conductive liquid metal. A portion of the conduit is positioned adjacent a heat sink while a pump circulates the liquid through the conduit wherein the metal is cooled at the heat sink.

Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a substrate; a plurality of electrodes on the substrate; a phase change material on the plurality of electrodes; and a thermo-modifying element adjacent to the phase change material, wherein the thermo-modifying element changes a temperature of the phase change material. The change in temperature of the phase change material may change a capacitance between the plurality of electrodes. The thermo-modifying element may be integrated into the substrate. The thermo-modifying element may include a heater that raises a temperature of the phase change material to change from a solid state to a liquid state. The thermo-modifying element may include a layer of metal adjacent to the substrate, and wherein when electrical current flows through the layer of metal, the layer of metal forms a resistive heater and raises a temperature of the phase change material to change from a solid state to a liquid state.

Abstract: Self-cooling stretchable electrical circuits with a conduit forming an electrical component and containing electrically conductive liquid are disclosed. They are formed of a platform made of a stretchable material. At least one fluid conduit is formed in the platform and the conduit is formed into an electrical component and filled with the electrically conductive liquid metal. A portion of the conduit is positioned adjacent a heat sink while a pump circulates the liquid through the conduit wherein the metal is cooled at the heat sink.