1 - Organic materials for optoelectronic applications: Overview

Abstract

Electronic, optoelectronic, and photonic devices using inorganic semiconductors, such as silicon transistor-based computers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), semiconductor laser-based devices, and optical communication devices such as waveguides, have contributed greatly to the present state of affairs. In recent years, new fields of organic electronics, organic optoelectronics, and organic photonics using organic materials have opened up. These fields of science and technology, which are mostly related to information and energy, are mainly concerned with thin-film, flexible devices using organic materials. In addition, the fabrication of devices using organic materials by solution processes, which is called printed electronics, has been progressing. This chapter gives an overview of the organic materials, including both molecular materials and polymers, for use in optoelectronic devices, organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), as well as their fabrication and performance. It also discusses the characteristic features and molecular design concepts for molecular materials and polymers and cites concrete examples of various kinds of photoactive and electroactive organic materials for use in such devices.