An ultra-fast two-terminal organic phototransistor with vertical topology for information technologies

Abstract

An organic two-terminal phototransistor structure for information technology has been designed, fabricated, and demonstrated. The device comprises a resistive random access memory (RRAM) in tandem with an organic solar cell (OSC). The transistor effect is realized by the functional integration of both individual devices; i.e., the photocurrent produced by the OSC is manipulated through the switchable RRAM. Compared with conventional phototransistors, our design possesses several intriguing features, including ultra-fast photoresponse time, controllable photocurrent, and solution processable active layers. Most importantly, these operational properties are achievable with only two vertically sandwiched electrodes, which are beneficial for high speed optical communication, circuit miniaturization, and energy saving. These unique features make it a good candidate for implementation in optical communication with diverse applications such as Li-Fi technology and security encryption.

A Review on Solution-Processed Organic Phototransistors and Their Recent Developments

“…This approach made it possible to keep information encrypted. Moreover, Tzou, Cai and et al [156] fabricated a two-terminal organic phototransistor for information technologies. Their device included a resistive random-access memory (RRAM) and an organic solar cell.…”

A Review on Solution-Processed Organic Phototransistors and Their Recent Developments

“…Ag/PMMA/Au was the structure of the RRAM (Figure 20). Reprinted from [156], with the permission of AIP Publishing.…”

“…Figure 20. (a) OPT device structure, (b) the cross-sectional FESEM image and (c) the equivalent circuit of the device.Reprinted from[156], with the permission of AIP Publishing.…”

Multifunctional Controllable Two-Terminal Vertical Nonvolatile Memory Transistor

“…Flexible and touchless features would be indispensable for the next generation of smart systems. − Generally, flexible technology adopts organic materials of inherent superior mechanical properties as its core components for demonstrating flexibility of products. Touchless feature of devices usually can be achieved through interacting with physical fields such as electromagnetic waves, magnetic field, and electric field. − For example, current reported magnetic sensors based on Hall effect, giant magneto-resistance, and single-molecule magnets − are used as switches. It is anticipated that a device driven by more than one stimulus can possess multifunctionalities that can enable to further explore their applications in a variety of wearable smart systems, including human–machine interactivity, medical care, soft robot, and information technology. − , …”

“…It is anticipated that a device driven by more than one stimulus can possess multifunctionalities that can enable to further explore their applications in a variety of wearable smart systems, including human−machine interactivity, medical care, soft robot, and information technology. [5][6][7]14 A transistor, which can be used to amplify or switch electric signals and electric power, is one of the basic elements of modern electronics. Generally, a conventional transistor is based on inorganic semiconductors and has three terminals for connection to an external circuit.…”