In
the future, the phrase smarty pants might be taken quite
literally, referring to trousers embedded with electronic
"intelligence" so that they change color,
for example, in response to their surroundings.
The timing of this vernacular twist will depend on when
plastic "chips" become practical--so cheap
and reliable that electronic circuits can be printed
not only on clothing but also on paper, billboards and
nearly anything else. Unlike today's largely silicon-based
technologies, organic (carbon-based) materials are flexible,
can be processed at low temperatures and lend themselves
to large-area applications, such as wall-sized electronic
murals.
Before
the emerging field of organic electronics can deliver
on its commercial promise, however, new measurements,
standards and processing capabilities must be developed.
Creating many of the requisite tools is the aim of
a new five-year research effort at the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST).
"Organic
electronics is at a stage akin to the very early days
of the silicon semiconductor industry," explains
NIST polymer scientist Eric Lin. "Lack of validated
diagnostic probes and standardized test and measurement
methods is an impediment to progress."
Unfortunately,
the job of filling this void is especially challenging.
The range of potential materials for organic electronics--from
polymers to nanocomposites--is enormous. The number
of synthesis and processing methods under consideration
is also daunting. Examples include ink-jet printing,
roll-to-roll printing and various ways to coax molecules
to self-assemble into components.
Accurate,
reliable measurements will help solve current manufacturing
issues and speed widespread use of the new microchips.
Ultimately, says Lin, NIST plans to develop an "integrated
measurement platform." The envisioned tool will
allow scientists and engineers to predict the performance
of organic electronic devices based on composition,
structure and materials properties.
Contact:
Mark Bello
mark.bello@nist.gov
301-975-3776
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
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