Plastic electronics

Overview

Class Central Tips

Plastic electronics is a concept that emerged forty years ago, with the discovery of electrically conductive polymers. Ten years later, the first electronic devices using organic solids in place of the ubiquitous inorganic semiconductors were realised. The best achievement of plastic electronics is constituted by Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) that equip the display of many smartphones, and even TV sets.

The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the physics of plastic electronic devices. After taking this course, the student should be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge on the following subjects:
Concept of organic semiconductors;
Charge carrier transport in polymeric and organic semiconductors;
Optical properties of organic semiconductors;
Charge injection from metals to organic solids;
Operating mode of the main plastic electronic devices: Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).

Syllabus

Introduction to plastic electronics

This first module is an introduction to the concept of semiconductor, which is the primary consituent of all electronic decives. We also show how some organic compounds can behave as semiconductors.

Charge carrier transport in organic semiconductors

Electronic devives work through an electrical current generated by applying an electrical voltage. The process is controlled by charge carrier transport, descibed in this module.

Optical properties of organic semiconductors

Beside electrical properties, electronic devices also involve optical aspects, for example in light-emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells. This modulel describes the interactions of light with organic semiconductors.