Objective
Review of semiconductor fundamentals; Introduction to organic semiconductors; Applications of organic thin films as active components in optoelectronic devices including; Fabrication methods for flexible electronics; Fundamentals of photo-electric conversion; Basic principles of photovoltaic devices; Introduction to four-generation solar technologies; Light harvesting and management techniques; Applications.
Syllabus
Review of semiconductor fundamentals: electron and hole, Fermi energy, generation and recombination, p-n junction. Introduction to organic semiconductors: morphology, electronic structures, optical and electrical properties. Application of organic thin films: OLEDs, OTFTs, photodetectors and sensors. Fabrication methods for flexible electronics: sputtering, CVD, VPD, inkjet printing, screen printing, etc. Basic principles of photovoltaic devices: absorption, photo-electric conversion, conversion efficiency, loss mechanism, carrier collection, device characterization. Introduction to four generations of solar cell technology: monocrystalline solar cells; thin-film solar cells; dye-sensitized solar cells; organic solar cells. Light harvesting and management techniques. Applications: manufacturing systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis, markets, and policies.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the course, students should be able to
- Gain the fundamental knowledge and skills in understanding the operation principles of flexible electronic devices and photovoltaic devices, and note the scope and limitation of flexible electronics and solar cell technology.
- Apply the learned knowledge and skills in solid state devices for analysis in various types of flexible devices and solar cells and their basic functionalities, basic device characterization techniques, and advanced device fabrication methods.
- Understand the technological impact of flexible electronics and solar cell technology to the society.
- Understand the basic physical principles and the engineering know-how of flexible electronics and solar cell technology for further specialization in areas related to display technology, solid state lighting technology, photovoltaic technology.
