Polymer progress in electronics
The Transistors on Plastics event, held in Cambridge, UK, from 24-25 February, brought together delegates to discuss the latest developments in this field.
The speakers reflected the shift towards research into transistors made from organic polymers such as Pentacene because of their increased mobility (conductivity) and excellent ambient stabilities.
Keynote speaker Dr Henning Sirringhaus of the University of Cambridge discussed the physics and applications of solution processed organic transistors. Although they cannot hold a good charge in electronic paper displays, he stressed the importance of progress in field effect mobility that leads to increased conductivity.
Sirringhaus described an increase in n-type organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) and said printed TFTs need to be made from materials that can work at the required speed. Enhancements can be made by down scaling, and printing techniques need to have larger channel length. The development of self-aligned printing (SAP) means substrate pre-patterning will not be necessary because SAP conducts ink in the channels and reduces parasitic capacitive resistance.
Discussing the reliability of organic TFTs, Sirringhaus said tests at the Cambridge Integrated Knowledge Centre showed Pentacene has better stability at stress levels than silicon. However, more trapping research is needed into the microscopic effects.
Iain McCulloch, a Professor of Polymer Materials at Imperial College London, UK, said that electric charge mobility has been improving for years, but asked if this is attributed to better materials or improved fabrication and measurements. He stated that organic semiconducting materials are now at a performance level compatible with display requirements but ancillary materials development and integration is still required. The best laboratory mobilities are now good enough for first generation devices and recent investment in production facilities, industrial R&D progress and growth is encouraging.
Over the two-day conference there were presentations covering advances in materials functionality, transistor design, material processability, substrate characteristics and device performance. Among the areas covered were roll-to-roll manufacturing of novel high performance organic transistor structures.
Ian French from IDF Consulting described the latest flexible displays in Gen II e-books and how the flexible active matrix is made of electrophoetic foil to move the ink around – providing a non-printing alternative. The availability of downloads for e-books is a problem, he said, stunting the proliferation and popularity of the system. The next generation will be instantly available through mobile phones and provide flexible displays that look ‘like paper to the eyes’ as well as being thin, light and robust.
The event was organised by the UK Displays Lighting Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), which is due to merge with the Photonics KTN by September 2009, forming the Photonics and Plastic Electronics KTN.
Further information: UK Display Lighting KTN
Materials World Magazine, 01 Apr 2009
The speakers reflected the shift towards research into transistors made from organic polymers such as Pentacene because of their increased mobility (conductivity) and excellent ambient stabilities.
Keynote speaker Dr Henning Sirringhaus of the University of Cambridge discussed the physics and applications of solution processed organic transistors. Although they cannot hold a good charge in electronic paper displays, he stressed the importance of progress in field effect mobility that leads to increased conductivity.
Sirringhaus described an increase in n-type organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) and said printed TFTs need to be made from materials that can work at the required speed. Enhancements can be made by down scaling, and printing techniques need to have larger channel length. The development of self-aligned printing (SAP) means substrate pre-patterning will not be necessary because SAP conducts ink in the channels and reduces parasitic capacitive resistance.
Discussing the reliability of organic TFTs, Sirringhaus said tests at the Cambridge Integrated Knowledge Centre showed Pentacene has better stability at stress levels than silicon. However, more trapping research is needed into the microscopic effects.
Iain McCulloch, a Professor of Polymer Materials at Imperial College London, UK, said that electric charge mobility has been improving for years, but asked if this is attributed to better materials or improved fabrication and measurements. He stated that organic semiconducting materials are now at a performance level compatible with display requirements but ancillary materials development and integration is still required. The best laboratory mobilities are now good enough for first generation devices and recent investment in production facilities, industrial R&D progress and growth is encouraging.
Over the two-day conference there were presentations covering advances in materials functionality, transistor design, material processability, substrate characteristics and device performance. Among the areas covered were roll-to-roll manufacturing of novel high performance organic transistor structures.
Ian French from IDF Consulting described the latest flexible displays in Gen II e-books and how the flexible active matrix is made of electrophoetic foil to move the ink around – providing a non-printing alternative. The availability of downloads for e-books is a problem, he said, stunting the proliferation and popularity of the system. The next generation will be instantly available through mobile phones and provide flexible displays that look ‘like paper to the eyes’ as well as being thin, light and robust.
The event was organised by the UK Displays Lighting Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN), which is due to merge with the Photonics KTN by September 2009, forming the Photonics and Plastic Electronics KTN.
Further information: UK Display Lighting KTN
Materials World Magazine, 01 Apr 2009
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