Characteristics and applications of Polymeric Thin Film Transistor: Prospects and challenges

Polymeric Thin Film Transistors (PTFTs) have undergone extraordinary improvements during the last decade. PTFTs which are also termed as Organic Thin Film Transistor (OTFT) are promising devices for future development of variety of low-cost and large-area electronics applications such as active-matrix displays and flexible micro-electronics. Organic transistors show high mobility, high-speed and high-current characteristics and are suitable for driver elements of flexible displays. This paper reviews recent progress in materials, fabrication processes, advances in device designs and applications related to PTFTs/ OTFTs. The performance of PTFTs/OTFTs is evaluated in terms of on/off current ratio, threshold voltage, subthreshold slope, power dissipation, switching time, driving capability and effective mobility. Various analytical models such as charge transport phenomena in organic solids and resulting models of PTFTs/OTFTs are reviewed. The paper thoroughly discusses the applications of OTFTs in various fields. Prospects, challenges and limitations are also discussed. Recently, polymer thin film transistors area has emerged as a field of intense research activities with emphasis on fundamental concepts and practical applications.