Abstract
Fingerprints are common to humans, primates, and koalas but how their role in grip activities is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the fingerprints control the hydration level of the fingertip, as required for precision gripping, by ultimately maximizing the friction. Electromagnetic waves with frequencies in the megahertz, terahertz, infrared, and visible ranges were used to identify the hydrodynamics in fingerprints, which lead to the steady-state hydration condition in 'dry' and 'wet' conditions. The results suggest that the fingerprint structure functions as a moisture channel for facilitating precision grip.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | IRMMW-THz 2019 - 44th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves |
Publisher | IEEE Computer Society |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781538682852 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 Sept |
Event | 44th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz 2019 - Paris, France Duration: 2019 Sept 1 → 2019 Sept 6 |
Publication series
Name | International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz |
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Volume | 2019-September |
ISSN (Print) | 2162-2027 |
ISSN (Electronic) | 2162-2035 |
Conference
Conference | 44th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz 2019 |
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Country/Territory | France |
City | Paris |
Period | 19/9/1 → 19/9/6 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2019 IEEE.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering