Complementary ring oscillator fabricated via direct laser-exposure and solution-processing of a single-layer organic film

Abstract

A complementary ring oscillator is realized by exposing a solution-processed single-layer organic film to area-selective laser-light exposure and solution development. The pristine film comprises a blend of two organic semiconductors: p-type poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and n-type [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). The exposure transforms PCBM into an insoluble form, and the subsequent development selectively removes the non-exposed PCBM while leaving exposed PCBM and P3HT intact. The 5-step ring oscillator exhibits a frequency of 10mHz, a power delay product of 2.0μJ, and an energy delay product of 22μJs. Opportunities for performance improvements of the scalable fabrication technique are highlighted in an accompanying analysis.