The main aim is to make the students aware of the new developments in large-area, low-cost and flexible Electronics, particularly those relating to the use of conjugated polymer and fullerene based compounds and composites.

(LO1) Knowledge and understandingof the operation of organic Schottky diode, thin-film transistors, light-emittingdiodes and photovoltaics

(LO2) Knowledge to analyse novel organic device models

(LO3) Ability to analyse static and dynamic organic circuits

(LO4) Ability to utilise organic models to design simple organic circuits

(S1) The knowledge gained will relate directly to the use of conjugated polymers and small molecules in electronic and photonic devices, for application that go well beyond the capability of silicon in terms of area, flexibility and costs.The work is an example of the use of physical properties to real and important applications. This is an intellectually stimulating challenge that will build confidence in other problems.The work will build an understanding of the measurement techniques and their uses and limitations. In addition, the student will be expected to develop the intellectual capability in using the principle in real and applicable designs.

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Information skills - Critical reading

(S4) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

(S5) Designing simple organic based circuits

- The basic properties of semiconductors will be described and the way in which conjugated polymers differ from this picture will be fully discussed.

- The operation of diodes and transistors will be discussed and these materials will be treated at an elementary level.

- A more detailed model will be provided for schottky diodes with difficulties associated with their operation in these materials will be highlighted.

- The detailed discussion of transistors will follow. Particular emphasis on the factors affecting performance will be a focus and new and improved design equations will be developed.

- The application of thin film transistors to a range of simple inverters will be undertaken and performance will be estimated. Static and dynamic circuits will also be introduced.

- The principles of light emission from polymers will be introduced and the factors affecting the efficiency of light emission will be described quantitatively.

- Basic techno glogy will be described and the need to do so without many of the complex processes involved with silicon will be emphasised.

- The use of these structures for light detection and the generation of solar energy will be discussed. The emphasis will be on modifying them to assist with charge mobility.

- The design exercise will be discussed and the principles to be adhered to will be enumerated. Scaling rules will be developed.

- A series of problems will be introduced, and the students will then be expected to attempt related ones without supervision.

- A review lecture will link together all the concepts into a unified whole.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Powerpoint presentations
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Problem classes
Attendance Recorded: Yes