The future of organic semiconductor devices

Organic semiconductors possess a range of molecular weights and include small molecules such as pentacene and longer polymeric molecules. Like inorganic semiconductors such as silicon, organic semiconductors can be made with differing degrees of order, from single crystals to polycrystalline or amorphous films. The properties depend on the order and chemical nature of the semiconductor. There are degrees of freedom in modifying the structure with the addition of side/end groups which impart added variety to the properties. This paper describes applications which are appearing for organic semiconductor devices. Organic semiconductor based photoconductors are extensively used in xerography. Small molecule and conjugated polymer LEDs are on the verge of commercialization. Numerous companies have demonstrated prototypes of various kinds of displays ranging from simple alphanumerical to VGA displays. Organic and polymer based TFTs have been proposed for applications such as displays and RF identification tags. The use of organic transistors as pixel switches in active matrix displays has been suggested. Integration of single organic transistors and LEDs have been accomplished. Organic transistors are promising for use in electronic noses. Organic FETs have been shown to be very responsive to dozens of organic odours or olfactory stimuli. Photo-excited laser action has been reported in a wide range of organic semiconductors, and this has led to a lot of interest in electrically driven lasers.