Austrian and Japanese scientists have unveiled a solar cell device thinner than a typical thread of spider silk, measuring only 1.9 micrometers.

The new device, made up of electrodes on plastic foil, is 1/10th the thickness of the previous thinnest solar cells, and it's flexible enough to wrap around a human hair.

Researchers say the ultra-thinness and elasticity of device make it useful for attaching to clothes to power small gadgets like health sensors, and it could be made larger to collect additional electricity.

The device is expected to be ready for practical use in about 5 years.

[physorg]