Making electronic components from organic molecules

[Keio Spintronics Network - Tada Laboratory , Osaka University] The Tada Laboratory at Osaka University is working to fabricate electronic components, such as transistors and diodes, from organic substances. Most organic materials dont conduct electricity. But its become clear that, by carefully designing molecular structures, electronic components like those made from silicon can also be made from organic materials. Q. Currently, silicon transistors are the norm. But were studying how to utilize the flexibility and constituents of organic materials in electronic components. The human brain is also made of organic materials, so we hope that in the future, itll be possible to simulate the brain. The electronic components that support everyday life are rapidly becoming smaller. If this process is taken to its ultimate limit, to make components from single molecules, then the most attractive materials are organic molecules, which can be freely formed with various shapes. Q. Organic materials are very diverse. Because they have such individuality, were trying to make transistors by combining them skillfully. Current silicon transistors take a huge amount of energy to manufacture, but organic components can be made by a very simple process, like printing postcards. So it seems that very cheap, environmentally friendly components could be made very easily. We think they may serve as one means of supporting a new ubiquitous society. One aspect of the Tada Labs research concerns ...