Future might see e-Organics: Design & Engineering

A thin, bendable organic material can be used as a component to make electronic devices that require a screen, a microprocessor or an interface, according to scientists at Australian National University.

Lead researchers Ankur Sharma and associate professor Larry Lu say the technology could help create the next generation of ultrafast electronic chips, which promise to be much faster than current ones.

Larry Lu (left) and Ankur Sharma were lead researchers. Image courtesy of Jack Fox, ANU

“We envision these organic materials (to) have much higher processing capabilities that (would be) providing the necessary hardware for next-generation optoelectronics/photonics devices, which would eventually be building blocks for computers controlling smart factories and supply chains using (the) internet of things,” said Sharma, lecturer and international education partnership coordinator at ANU.

The most important manufacturing application is for flexible electronic devices/screens that can be made from the organic material. It could be attached to any working part/element in a manufacturing environment that previously could not have a screen, resulting in improved efficiency and visual sharing of information. The material also could be used to make cellphones and other electronic devices.

The research team was able to control the growth of a novel organic semiconductor material, precisely stacking one molecule over another.

“Conventional devices run on electricity,” Sharma said, “but this material allows us to use light or photons, which travel much faster. The interesting properties we have observed in this material make it a contender for superfast electronic processors and chips. We now have the perfect building block to achieve flexible, next-generation electronics.”