In-Vacuum Preparation and Characterization of Conductive Polymer Interfaces

University Of South Florida, Tampa FL

Investigators

Abstract

This project addresses polymer interfaces commonly used in polymeric light emitting diodes and other devices such as thin film transistors (TFT), focussing on determination of the electronic structure, chemistry and morphology of interfaces. Experiments will be carried out using pho-toelectron spectroscopy (PES) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Results of in-situ studies will be compared with ex-situ photo-electrical measurements on devices. Additionally, simple polymer electronic devices will be designed and fabricated in vacuum and tested against conven-tionally ex-situ prepared structures. The project will be carried out collaboratively between Rudy Schlaf at the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF), and George G. Malliaras at the Materials Science and Engineering Department of Cornell University. Schlaf's group will study and develop synthesis and processing capabilities enabling in-situ depo-sition of polymer thin films and will investigate them in-situ with photoemission spectroscopy (PES). Students from USF will visit Malliaras' group during summer months where they will characterize macroscopic electronic properties of the prepared thin films/devices by (photo-) electrical measurements. %%% The project addresses fundamental research issues in a topical area of electronic/photonic materi-als science having technological relevance. An important feature of the project is the strong em-phasis on education, and the integration of research and education. The PI places emphasis on in-volving undergraduates in research to help increase the number of students pursuing advanced degrees. Results of the research will also be used in research modules presented in the PI's Elec-tronic Materials course and during the lab tours the PI organizes for undergraduate students. The project offers unique opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students involved in highly interdisciplinary forefront research. ***