Objective
Review of semiconductor fundamentals: electron and hole, Fermi energy, generation and recombination, p-n junction, hopping, field-effect. Introduction to organic and polymeric semiconductors: morphology, molecular packing, conformation, electronic structures, optical and electrical properties. Application of organic/polymeric thin films: OLEDs, OTFTs, PLEDs, photodetectors and sensors. Fabrication methods for flexible electronics: sputtering, CVD, VPD, inkjet printing, screen printing, roll-to-roll printing, spraying coating, etc. Introduction to OLED/PLED based display technology: passive matrix OLED and active matrix OLED display techniques. Basic principles of photovoltaic devices: absorption, photo-electric conversion, conversion efficiency, loss mechanism, carrier collection, device characterization. Introduction to solar cell technology: monocrystalline solar cells; dye-sensitized solar cells; organic solar cells.
Syllabus
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.
