Overview:

The semiconducting polymer lab is designed to allow engineering and science students to make and characterize semiconducting polymer devices. Semiconducting polymers permit students to learn about semiconductor concepts and fabrication more efficiently, economically, and safely than present techniques based on conventional materials. Semiconducting polymer devices are approaching the market and becoming essential undergraduate topics today.

Semiconducting polymers offer several opportunities to enrich solid-state electronics education. After learning relatively simple processing steps, the students will have a working device in their hands. Certainly, they gain a chance to study the electrical behavior of these devices. Construction of light-emitting devices adds a new dimension. They have a chance to study the properties of the light produced by their "circuit." The semiconducting polymers offer an economical way to provide students with the practical knowledge they will require to advance along with the rest of the field. One can view the semiconducting polymers as an extremely flexible solid-state electronics technology appropriate for Cal Poly's educational objectives.

Additionally, the lab supports opportunities for interdisciplinary instructional and research activities. Chemistry students will be most interested in synthesis of the related monomers and polymers. Materials engineers will enjoy studying and using the properties relating to materials processing, characterization and the relationship of materials properties to the chemical structures and morphologies of the polymers. Physics students have ample physical issues to interest them in these materials. Industrial and manufacturing engineering students could use the proposed laboratory build prototype flat panel and mechanically flexible displays.

For more information, see http://www.ee.calpoly.edu/~dbraun/polyelec/

Current Problems with the Laboratory:

As of Fall 2000, the lab is operational with major equipment supported
by a grant from the National Science Foundation and start-up funds
from the College of Engineering Investment in Faculty Program.

Equipment Needs:

• Electrical Test Equipment, including a SMU, DMM,photo-diodes
• Software and computers for test automation.
• Vacuum Pumps
• Oxygen Plasma Reactor
• Liquid Nitrogen Supply
• ITO Coated Glass
• Semiconducting Polymers
• Glass Scriber and Breaker
• Misc. Lab Tools

Proposed Development Plan:

What this lab requires over the long term, since most equipment is in place, is an endowment to cover monthly operating expenses and maintenance.