Pre-requisites: BEng(Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering or equivalent

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. This module provides a comprehensive overview of the physics, operating mode, fabrication and characterisation of the main plastic electronic devices such as the organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and the organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).

Indicative content ncludes:
Introduction to semiconductors, Charge transport in semiconductors, Electronic devices, P-N Junction diodes, bipolar junction Transistor, FET and MOSFET family types and characteristics, Organic Electronics such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), Material synthesis and characterisations, spectroscopy, optical properties, Structural characterisations, Electrical characterisations, Surface characterisation, Device fabrications and characterisations.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including:
• Laboratory exercise
Intensive laboratories designed to cover the following devices
o Fabrication and characterisation of polymeric solar cell;
o Fabrication and characterisation of TFT;
o Fabrication and characterisations of OLEDs.
• Lectures
Regular lectures are dedicated to cover the learning material.
• Tutorials
tutorials will support guided independent learning

Rand, B.P. & Richter, H. (2014) Organic solar cells: Fundamentals, Devices, and Upscaling, CRC Press, USA.
Mertens, R. (2018) The OLED Handbook: A guide to OLED Technology, industry and Market, 2018 Edn., lulu.com publisher.
Brotherton, S.D. (2013) Introduction to Thin Film Transistors: Physics and technology of TFTs, Springer International Publishing, Heidelberg.
Sam-Shajing Sun. (2016) Introduction to organic electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices, Taylor and Francis Group. New York

Library
Laboratory
Computers

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles at the forefront of the discrete device development employing polymeric material and appreciating knowledge of its current and future development. (AHEP3:SM7M, EA5m, P12M, G1 )

2. Demonstrate ability to learn independently, advancing your knowledge and understanding of manufacturing skills required for polymeric device fabrication AHEP3:EA6M, D10M, EL9M, P12M, G1 ).

3. Ability to collect and analyse incomplete research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools to evaluate device parameters leading to better knowledge and understanding of design processes (AHEP3:EA6M, EA5m, D10M, EL9M, P12M, G1 ).

4. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and critical evaluation and analysis of research conducted by scholars and communicating the findings in relation to your own work (AHEP3:EA5m, EL11M, G1 ).

The module assessment is based on:

1. 2 Laboratory reports each carrying 25% totalling 50% of the overall marks covering learning outcomes 1-4. Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes SM7M, EA6M, EA5m, D10M, EL9M, EL11M, P12M, G1.
2. A 2-hour examination covering 50% of the overall marks covering learning outcomes 1-4. Meeting AHEP 3 Outcomes SM7M, EA6M, EA5m, D10M, EL9M, EL11M, P12M, G1.

Practice formative class tests will be undertaken during the module and formative guidance and feedback will be provided in tutorial sessions within the class