SAW offers an excellent alternative for many touch applications requiring a light touch, excellent optical characteristics and a very durable surface. Since the sensor is basically a glass plate with no coatings, the technology is quite robust and offers excellent optical characteristics.
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) touch screen sensors use ultra-sonic sound waves over the touch screen surface, aided by a reflective pattern around the periphery of the sensor. When touched by a finger, the ultra-sonic waves are disturbed and the touch location can be detected. Since active sensing is around the perimeter of the sensor, the touch screen can offer excellent optical clarity.