PurdueX: Organic Electronic Devices

PurdueX: Organic Electronic Devices

by Purdue University

Organic Electronics: From Synthesis to Applications

An intermediate-level engineering course by PurdueX

Course Description

This course explores the cutting-edge technology behind thin mobile devices, high-resolution displays, and photovoltaic cells, with a focus on the potential for ultra low-cost, lightweight, and flexible electronic components.

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of organic semiconductors, including their synthesis, charge generation and transport mechanisms, and practical applications in devices such as OLEDs and organic photovoltaic cells. The course bridges the gap between molecular-level phenomena and macroscopic device performance, equipping learners with the skills to analyze, troubleshoot, and design next-generation organic electronic materials and devices.

What You'll Learn

  • Synthesis of organic semiconductors, including small molecules and polymers
  • Mechanisms of controlled polymerization techniques
  • Interpretation of spectroscopic and chromatographic data
  • Relationship between molecular orbital levels and optoelectronic properties
  • Charge generation and transport models in organic semiconductors
  • Operation principles of organic electronic devices
  • Performance evaluation of organic electronic devices
  • Comparison between organic and inorganic semiconducting devices

Prerequisites

  • Two semesters of general chemistry
  • Two semesters of general physics
  • Familiarity with solid-state physics or elementary circuits (recommended but not required)

Course Content

  • Synthesis methods for small molecule and polymer semiconductors
  • Controlled polymerization techniques for macromolecular semiconductors
  • Spectroscopic, chromatographic, and molecular characterization of organic semiconductors
  • Molecular orbital theory and its relation to optoelectronic properties
  • Charge transport models in organic semiconductors
  • Device physics of organic electronic devices (OLEDs, OPVs, etc.)
  • Performance evaluation and optimization of organic electronic devices
  • Emerging applications, such as thermoelectric generators
  • Comparison of organic and inorganic semiconductor technologies

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for undergraduate students in engineering, chemistry, physics, or materials science who are interested in the rapidly growing field of organic electronics. It is also suitable for professionals in the electronics industry looking to expand their knowledge into organic-based technologies.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are directly applicable to the burgeoning field of organic electronics. Graduates will be well-equipped to:

  • Contribute to research and development in the organic electronics industry
  • Design and optimize organic electronic devices for commercial applications
  • Troubleshoot and improve existing organic electronic technologies
  • Evaluate the potential of organic semiconductors for various applications
  • Participate in the development of next-generation flexible and wearable electronics
  • Contribute to advancements in display technologies, solar cells, and other emerging applications
  • Bridge the gap between materials science and device engineering in the field of organic electronics

Course Structure

The course includes:

  • Short lectures with accompanying quizzes
  • Homework assignments
  • Exams

The course content follows the main topics outlined in the "What You'll Learn" section, progressing from the synthesis of organic semiconductors to their characterization and finally to device applications.

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