Chemistry For CSE Stream 1

Module-2
MATERIAL FOR MEMORY & DISPLAY SYSTEMS
Memory Devices
Introduction
Conventional memory devices are implemented on semiconductor-based integrated circuits,
such as transistors and capacitors. With the advancement of technology, there is an increase
in the demand for high performance digital gadgets. To improve the performance of gadget,
capacity of data storage device needs to be improved. In order to achieve greater density of
data storage and faster access to information, more components are deliberately packed onto
a single chip. The size of transistors has decreased from 130 nm in the year 2000 to 32 nm at
present. Silicon- based semiconductor devices become less stable below 22 nm reducing their
reliability to store and read individual bits of information. Reduction in size of transistor
below certain level increases power consumption and results in unwanted heat generation.
The fidelity of addressing the memory units also diminishes. Therefore, the currently used
silicon-based semiconductor memory devices cannot fulfil the requirements of information
storage of the near future. Research in progress to look for alternative memory devices.
Ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM), Magneto resistive random-access memory
(MRAM), Phase change memory (PCM), and Organic/polymer memory devices have shown
the potential to be the new data storage technologies. Among them organic/polymer memory
have shown great potential in this regard.
Basic Concepts of Electronic Memory
A memory device is a piece of hardware used to store data. They are used in a wide range of
applications, including computers, smart phones, digital cameras, and many other electronic

devices. Most electronic devices such as computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc
all have a storage device that stores data or programs. There are several types of
memory devices, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. According to the storage
type of the device, electronic memory can be divided into two primary categories: volatile
and non-volatile memory.
a) Volatile memory:
Volatile memory is temporary memory and requires power to maintain its data. Volatile

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memory loses all its data when the electricity is turned off (e.g., RAM).
b) Non-volatile memory
Non-volatile memory retains all the data even when electricity is turned off (e.g., ROM).
Electronic Memory can also be classified as

1. Primary/main memory: Primary memory is the internal memory of the computer and can
be directly accessed by the processor.
This is further divided into two parts: -
1. RAM
2. ROM
Random Access Memory (RAM):
 It is a type of volatile memory commonly used in computers.
 RAM allows a computer to quickly access and store information for immediate use.
However, since it requires power to maintain its data, RAM is cleared when power is
turned off, resulting in the loss of any unsaved data.

 The speed and performance of a computer are directly related to the size of the RAM.
 A computer with more RAM can run more programs and has better performance.
There are two types of RAM: Static RAM and Dynamic RAM
a. Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
 It is a type of volatile memory that uses a capacitor to store data.
 It is called "dynamic" because it needs to be constantly refreshed to maintain the data.

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 DRAM is cheaper than other types of memory and is commonly used as the main
memory in computers.
 However, it is slower than other types of memory and needs to be constantly refreshed,
which can slow down the computer's performance.
b. Static RAM (SRAM)
 The word “static” refers that the memory retains its contents as long as the power is
supplied so that’s why we can say this is volatile in nature.
 SRAM does not need to be refreshed periodically.
 SRAM is faster but more expensive than DRAM

Read-only memory (ROM)

 ROM only allows read-only operations.
 It is a non-volatile memory that retains all the data when electricity is turned off.
 It is a type of computer memory used to store permanent data that cannot be changed.
 Data is written to ROM during manufacturing and cannot be changed afterward
 Important data such as the computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) and pre-
installed software is stored in ROM.

There are 3 types of ROM: PROM, EPROM and EEPROM

a. PROM:
 It is Known as “programmable Read Only memory”. In this when the data is stored
then we have no right to change or alter any data to it.
 This is non-volatile in nature.
 In this the data is written by Manufacturer company
 In general PC’s mainly PROM is used because we don’t have to alter any data to it
 It contains BIOS of system. It is used to store data bases other massive data where
information has to be preserved for a long period of time
b. EPROM
 It is Erasable programmable read only memory
 EPROM is a memory device whose content can be erased by exposing it to UV light.
 It allows users to write new data on it after erasing.
 EPROM is much expensive than PROM.

c. EEPROM:

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 It is Known as “Electrically Erasable PROM” the type of ROM which can be erased
by electrical charges.
 EEPROM can be erased one byte at any time rather than erasing the entire chip by
ultra violet rays

2. External/secondary memory:

 It is a non-volatile memory which is not directly accessed by CPU.

 The Secondary storage media can be fixed or removable.
 Fixed Storage media is an internal storage medium like a hard disk that is fixed
inside the computer. A storage medium that is portable and can be taken outside the
computer is termed removable storage media. [Link], USB, External hard disk.

There are 3 main types of storage devices:

Magnetic storage device: This stores data on magnetised medium. Generally, consists of
one or more circular disks, also known as platters, that are coated with a magnetic material.

Eg: internal hard disk, external hard disk, magnetic tape and cassettes.

Optical storage device: Optical storage devices work by using a laser to read and write
data on a reflective surface.

Eg: CD (compact disc) and DVD (Digital versatile disc)

Solid state storage device: It is a type of non-volatile storage device, that stores data
instead of magnetically and electronically.

It is much faster than other storage devices.

 SSD
 USB Flash Drives.
 Memory stick.
 Memory cards.
HISTORY OF ORGANIC/POLYMER ELECTRONIC MEMORY DEVICES
 During 1968-70, bistable electrical conductivity and resistivity phenomenon was
observed in Pb/polyvinyl benzene, tetracene, phthalocyanines and polystyrene
polymer materials. All these materials showed bistable switching and memory
switching effects. But the performance was not satisfactory for practical applications.

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 During same period, controlled polymer chain ordering and disordering with respect
to electric field was discovered in Polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene,
polymethylmethacrylate and polybutylmethacrylate polymer films.
 In 1995, ferroelectric polymer films as thin as 1 nm were fabricated. These required
just 1 V to switch between two states. Since, then Polymer ferro-electric random-
access memory (FeRAM) was developed.
 In 2001, an organic field- effect transistors (OFETs) memory device was
demonstrated using a sexithiophene oligomer as the conductor and a ferroelectric
organic polymer material as gate insulator.
 During same time, bistable electrical switching and memory effect was discovered in
involving charge transfer (CT) complexes with an electron donor and an electron
acceptor.
 Cu, Gold, Carbon Nano Tube were used as electron acceptors. 8-hydroxyquinoline
(8H@), tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), polyaniline (PANI), poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT),
were used as electron donors. These were used in several polymer electronic memory
devices, including flash memory, WORM memory and DRAM
 In 2004, ultrathin film organic materials were discovered with multilevel conductivity
states. Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy). 1,4-phenylene vinylene polymer
showed one low- and three high-conducting states. All four accessible states have
associated memory effects for data-storage applications. In order to achieve ultrahigh
density memory devices, organic materials with multilevel stable states are highly
desirable.
 In 2005, multilevel conductance switching films with a continuum of conductance
states were reported in ITO/MEH-PPV/Al device with poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-
hexyloxy). 1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) films.
 Devices demonstrating multi stability where more than two conducting states can be
programmed into a single switching element will dramatically increase the amount of
data stored per area or volume. Further progress in the development of multilevel
organic polymer memory has been made in recent years.
 The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (IRS) has identified
polymer memory as an emerging memory technology since the year 2005

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Classification of Electrical (Electronic) Memory Devices

According to the device structure, electronic memory devices can be divided into four
primary categories:

 Transistor-type,
 Capacitor-type,
 Resistor-type
 Charge transfer type.

Transistor-Type Electronic Memory:

Transistor-type memory devices are a type of electronic memory that uses transistors to store
information.
A transistor type semiconducting electronic memory device containing a electronic circuit,
including a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)transistor and capacitor(C).
In a transistor-type memory device, each transistor represents one bit of information, which is a 0
or a 1. When a transistor is turned on, it represents a 1, and when it's turned off, it represents a 0.
E.g., Dynamic Random Access Memory or DRAM.
Capacitor-type electronic memory device
Capacitor-type memory devices are a type of electronic memory that uses capacitors to
store information. Capacitors have two parallel plate electrodes and charges are stored in
these electrodes under an applied electric field.
In a capacitor-type memory device, each capacitor represents one bit of information, which
is a 0 or a 1.
When a capacitor is charged, it represents a 1, and when it's discharged, it represents a 0.
E.g., Ferroelectric Random Access Memory or FeRAM
Resistor-type electronic memory device:
Resistor-type memory devices are a type of electronic memory that uses resistors to store
information. Resistors are electronic components that resist the flow of electrical current.
In a resistor-type memory device, each resistor represents one bit of information, which is a
0 or a 1. The resistors are arranged in a particular pattern to store the information.
E.g., Programmable Read-Only Memory or PROM.
Charge transfer type electronic memory device:
Charge transfer-type memory devices are a type of electronic memory that uses the transfer

of electrical charges to store information. A charge transfer (CT) complex is defined as

an electron donor–acceptor (D–A) complex, characterized by an electronic

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transition to an excited state in which a partial transfer of charge occurs from the
donor moiety to the acceptor moiety. The conductivity of a CT complex is
dependent on the ionic binding between the D–A components.
To store data, electrical charges are transferred to the capacitor in each memory cell, which
represents a 1 or a 0, E.g. Flash memory is used in many consumer electronics such as USB
flash drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and memory cards.

There are many problems with traditional methods of data storage

 Conventional memory devices are implemented on semiconductor- based

integrated circuits, such as transistors and capacitors.
 In order to achieve greater density of data storage and faster access to
information, more components are deliberately packed onto a single chip.
 Silicon-based semiconductor devices become less stable below 22 nm, and
the reliability to store and read individual bits of information will be
substantially reduced by severe “cross-talk” issues.
 Power consumption and unwanted heat generation is also an issue.
 Silicon based memory devices such as transistors, capacitor and resistors
store data in the binary form “ZERO” and “ONE”, which requires
decoding of the data.
 The efficiency of memory structures is measured in terms of storage
capacity and the speed of functioning. Therefore, Organic memory devices
(OMDs) provide an ideal solution, in being inexpensive, and at the same
time promising high performance.
Organic molecules in memory devices
Organic/polymer electronic memory is likely to be an alternative or at least a
supplementary technology to conventional semiconductor electronic memory.
Organic/polymer electronic memory stores data in an entirely different way, for
instance, based on different electrical conductivity states (ON and OFF states) in
response to an applied electric field.
Advantages of using organic molecules in memory devices than conventional silicon
semiconductor-based memory devices
The advantages of organic and polymer molecules based electronic memory devices are
1. They can be processed easily.
2. Structure of the molecules used can be designed through chemical synthesis

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3. Device structure is very simple.

4. Dimension of the device can be decreased
5. Cost of production is less.
6. Power consumption during operation is low.
7. They exhibit multiple state properties.
8. Large capacity of data storage.

TYPES OF ORGANIC MEMORY MATERIALS

There are three classes of materials which can exhibit bistable / multi stable states. When a
threshold voltage is applied, they undergo a transition from the OFF (non-conducting) state
to the ON (conducting) state or from the ON state to the OFF state. All these materials can
be used in organic electronic memory devices.
1) Organic molecules
2) Polymeric materials
3) Organic- inorganic hybrid materials
1) Organic molecules Used in Organic memory materials:
(Organic memory devices P-type and n-type)
Acene derivatives: Pentacene & Perfluoropentacene
 Acenes are the polycyclic aromatic compounds consisting of linearly fused benzene
rings.
 Examples: naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene, Pentacene, perfluoropentacene etc.
 The most important member of the acene family is pentacene.
 It is a linearly fused aromatic compound with five benzene rings.
 Pentacene’s have π conjugated system with holes as majority carriers and are
considered as p-type semiconductor.
 There is continuous delocalisation of π electrons and lateral overlapping of π
electrons between the molecules.

Pentacene
 An Organic molecule with π conjugated system with electron
withdrawing substituent groups and possess electrons as major charge
carrier is called n- type semiconductor.

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 When all the hydrogen atoms of pentacene are replaced by fluorine atoms the
resulting molecule is perfluoropentacene.
 An Organic molecule with π conjugated system with electron withdrawing substituent
groups and possess electrons as major charge carrier is called n-type semiconductor.

 Organic molecules exhibit fast switching speeds hence have high data transfer rates
 But less stable than other memory materials, not suitable for long-term storage as
they may get decomposed.

2)Polymer (Polyimide) molecules used in memory

 Polymer molecules are increasingly being used in memory devices due to their
unique properties, such as flexibility, low cost, and compatibility.
 Polyimides are the class of polymer with donor triphenylamine and acceptor
phthalimide.
 It is then sandwiched between two electrodes typically made of metals like gold and
aluminium.
 When a voltage is applied to the device electrons are transferred from the donor to
the acceptor forming donor-acceptor complex
 This creates a dipole moment within the material and changes its electronic
structure, that is there is transition from a low-conducting state to a high-conducting
state, thus leading to storage of information.
 Therefore, field induced charge transfer from triphenylamine to phthalimide unit
exhibit switching behaviour (bistable states on/off).
 These are used in different types of memory device, such as volatile DRAM AND
SRAM devices and non- volatile Flash devices.
 Polymeric materials can be easily processed into various shapes and sizes they can
store data for long periods without losing information.
 It has slow switching speeds compared other organic materials.

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3)Organic-inorganic materials used memory devices

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials are composed of organic layers containing inorganic
materials. Inorganic materials used are allotropes of carbon like fullerenes, carbon nanotubes,
graphene and metal nanoparticle etc.
a) Organic-Carbon allotrope Hydrid materials
 These are composed of organic layers combined with fullerenes.
 These are made up of Polymers containing electron donors such as thiophene,
fluorine, carbazole and aniline derivatives. Hence polymers act as electron donor.
 The fullerenes have high electron-withdrawing ability hence acts as electron
acceptor.
 Thus, these hybrid materials have donor-acceptor ability and electrical bistable
states.
 When a voltage is applied to the device electrons are transferred from the donor to
the acceptor. This creates a dipole moment within the material leading to transition
from a low-conducting state to a high-conducting state, thus leading to storage of
information.
 They are used in ROM memory effect devices.
b) Organic -Inorganic Nanocomposite hybrid material:
Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites are materials made by combining organic
molecules or polymers with inorganic nano particles such as metal nanoparticles, and
metal oxide nanoparticles.
These hybrid materials have unique properties, such as high strength or electrical
conductivity.
 Example: A composite made up of polymer 8-hydroxyquiniline with gold
nanoparticle

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 The material is composed of a thin film of the 8-hydroxyquinoline-based polymer

congaing gold nanoparticle, which is sandwiched between two metal
electrodesmade up of gold and aluminum. Bistable states are observed when an
electric field is applied due to charge transfer between the Au nanoparticles and 8-
hydroxyquinoline. This leads to changes in its optical and electrical properties.
 Organic-inorganic hybrid materials have combined property of organic and
inorganic hybrid materials

Photoactive Materials & Electroactive Materials

 Photoactive materials are those materials which respond to light when they are
exposed to light. They can absorb light and result in a change in their optical,
electronic, or magnetic properties
 Organic Photoactive materials, such as conjugated polymers, have a delocalized pi-
electron system that enables them to absorb light and generate an excited state. The
excited state can then be used to generate an electrical signal, which is useful in
applications like photovoltaic cells.
 Electroactive materials, on the other hand, are those materials that exhibit a
strong response to an electric field.
 In presence of electric field they can undergo a change in electrical properties such
as change in shape or generating an electric current.
 For example, when an electric field is applied to a piezoelectric material, leads to a
deformation, or change in shape of the material. Some of organic electroactive
materials include conducting polymers like polypyrrole and polythiophene.

Working Principle

 Photoactive and electroactive materials absorb or emit light in UV or Visible

region. The OLED display system consists of these materials.
 When an external electric field is applied electrons migrate from the light emitting
layer to the anode, leaving behind the holes in the light emitting layer. From the
anode these electrons then move towards the cathode through the external circuit
and then back to the light emitting layer through the conducting layer.
 The light-emitting layer is excited by the recombination energy of electrons and
holes and then the light-emitting layer emits light as the electrons return back to
their ground state during recombination.

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 One of the electrodes consists of transparent material in order to extract light from
the light emitting layer.

Optoelectronic Devices
 Optoelectronic devices are electronic devices that can strongly interact with light. They
can absorb light and converting light into electrical signals or generate light from
electrical energy.
 These are the devices which operate on both light and electrical currents.
 The light used which may be in the visible, infrared or ultraviolet spectral region.
 The device is made from solid crystalline materials which are lighter than metals
and heavier than insulators.

Working Principle
Optoelectronic devices are special types of semiconductor devices that are able to convert
light energy to electrical energy or electrical energy to light energy. If the photon has an
energy larger than the energy a gap, the photon will be absorbed by the semiconductor,
exciting an electron from the valence band into the conduction band, where it is free to
move. A free hole is left behind in the valence band. When the excited electron is
returning to valence band, extra photon energy is emitted in the form a light. This principle
is used in Optoelectronic devices.

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Types of Optoelectronics Devices

 Photodiode- which convert optical signal into electrical energy, used for
telecommunication
 Solar Cells – which convert light energy into electrical energy
 Light Emitting Diodes – which convert electrical energy into light, used for display,
lighting and remote control.
 Laser Diodes – Data storage

Organic materials used in optoelectronic devices:

Organic compounds with Pi-electron systems and extensive conjugation are generally used in
optoelectronic devices. The presence of Pi bond with conjugation allows the delocalization of
electrons and leads to unique electronic and optical properties Those organic materials can be
broadly classified in to three categories:
a) Small molecules, Ex: anthracene, tetracene pentacene etc.
b) Oligomers with well-defined structures. Ex: oligo p-phenylene, oligothiophenes etc.
c) Polymers. Ex: polyacetylene, polythiophenes, polypyrrole, and polyanilines.

Organic materials for Optoelectronic devices ( Light absorbing

materials –Polythiophenes] ( P3HT)
Polythiophenes ate the important class of conjugated polymer which is thermally stable. The

P3HT, Poly(3-hexylthiophene) is derivative of polythiophene polymer chain. It is a

polythiophene with a short alkyl group on each repeat unit.

Properties
 P3HT is a semiconducting polymer with high stability and exhibits
conductivity due to holes therefore considered as p-type semiconductor.
 Poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT) can absorb light in visible region and eject electrons
and can be considered as donor molecules to donate electrons in organic electronic
devices.
 P3HT has a crystalline structure and conjugated backbone results in
delocalisation of pi electrons along the polymer chain and h a s good charge-

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transport properties required for Optoelectronics.

 P3HT has a direct-allowed optical transition with a fundamental energy gap of 2.14
eV.
 The presence of hexyl groups, P3HT is soluble in organic solvents, hence can be
used in fabrication.
Applications
 It can be used as a positive electrode in Lithium batteries.
 Used in the construction of Organic Solar Cells.
 Manufacture of smart windows.
 Used in the fabrication new types of memory devices.

Light emitting material - Poly[9-vinylcarbazole] (PVK)]

Poly (N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) is a linear polymer obtained by polymerisation of Vinyl
carbazole monomer. The carbazole units are responsible for semiconducting properties of the
polymer.
Properties
 It is a semiconducting polymer which can emit light when external electric field is
applied across it. Hence it is used in OLEDs.
 It is a good hole transporting material; it allows movement of positive charges (holes)
within the material.
 Soluble in organic solvents. Hence used in fabrication.
 The PVK film is temperature resistant thermoplastic, and can be used up to
temperature 160-170oC.
 Its electrical conductivity increases when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The
electrical conductivity can be controlled by amount of incident radiation.
 The polymer is extremely brittle, but the brittleness can be reduced by
copolymerization with a little isoprene.

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Applications
 OLED s and memory devices.

 Used in the fabrication of light-emitting diodes and laser printers.

 Fabrication of Solar cells
 Insulation technology
Nanomaterials (Silicon Nanocrystals) in Optoelectronic Devices
Nanomaterials are the materials whose size lies between 1-100 nm.
 Reducing the size of a metal or semiconductor crystals to the nanoscale results in
unique electronic and optical properties such as high quantum efficiencies,
controllable wavelength, and improved light absorption.
 Higher light emitting efficiencies.
 Tuneable electronic structure.
 Larger surface area-Volume ratio.
Applications
 Construction of solar cells and photodetectors
 Neuromorphic computing

Liquid crystals (LC’s)

Liquid Crystal is a unique state of matter in which the degree of molecular ordering lies
intermediate between crystalline solid state and completely disordered liquid state. The
liquid crystal state is also referred to a mesophase or mesogens. These are the state of matter
which flow like liquid but have some degree of ordering in arrangement.

Classification
Liquid crystals are classified into two main categories, namely
(i) Thermotropic Liquid Crystals: The class of compounds that exhibit liquid crystalline
behaviour on variation of temperature. E.g., Cholesteryl benzoate exhibits liquid crystal

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behaviour in between 145.5 oC- 178.5 oC. These are further classified into Nematic, Chiral
Nematic and Sematic Liquid crystals.
(a) Nematic Liquid Crystals: These are formed by compounds which are optically inactive.
The molecules are elongated shape with thread like structure and are approximately parallel
to each other. In this phase molecules maintain a preferred orientational direction but position
order is [Link]. Para-azoxyanisole (PAA) which exhibits liquid crystal behaviour in the
temperature range 118oC-135oC.

(b)Chiral Nematic or Cholesteric: These are formed by compounds which are optically active
and have chiral centers. The molecules arrange themselves in layers as to form helical
structure and don’t have positional order or orientation order. They change colour when
exposed to different temperature. E.g., Cholesteryl formate.

(c)Smectic Mesophase: These are soap like molecules. There is small amount of positional
order and orientational order. The molecules are arranged in regularly spaced layers, Within
the layers they tend to point along the director.

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(d)Discotic Liquid Crystal: These molecules have disk like or plate like structure. Disc-
shaped molecules have a tendency to lie on top of one another forming either discotic
nematic phases (with discs oriented similarly) or columnar phases (which, obviously, have
column-like structure).

(ii) Lyotropic liquid crystals: The compounds which transforms into liquid crystal phase
when mixed with solvent. They have both polar lyophilic and nonpolar lyophobic end. They
are obtained from mixing a compound in a solvent and increasing the concentration of
compound till liquid crystal phase is obtained. Such compounds are known as lyotropic liquid
crystals. E.g., Soap- water mixture.

Properties of Liquid Crystals

 The intermolecular forces are rather weak and can be perturbed by an applied
electric field.
 The molecules are polar, they interact with an electric field, which causes
them to change their orientation slightly.
 Liquid Crystal can flow like a liquid, due to loss of positional order.
 Liquid crystal is optically birefringent, due to its orientation order.
 It exhibits thermal expansion.

Applications of liquid crystals in LCDs

1. Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs): The liquid crystal layer in LCDs allows for
the display of images and text through the use of electrical currents that control
the orientation of the crystals.
2. Sensors: Liquid crystal sensors are used in various applications
such as temperature sensing, humidity sensing, and chemical sensing.
3. Optical Devices: Liquid crystals are used in various optical devices such as

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variable optical attenuators, phase shifters, and tuneable filters. These

devices are used in optical communication systems, spectroscopy, and
imaging.
4. Medicine: Liquid crystals have been used in drug delivery systems,
where the drug is encapsulated in the liquid crystal matrix and
delivered to specific target cells.
Working of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
A Liquid crystal Display (LCD) is a flat panel display technology that uses liquid crystals to
produce images. The light is passed or blocked by changing the polarization.
1. In Display system, a layer of liquid crystal (nematic) is sand witched between two
transparent electrodes. The electrodes are coated by Indium tin oxide.
2. These two electrodes are placed between two polarized glass filter.
3. In the absence of electric field, when backlight falls on the first polarized glass filter,
it will rotate the liquid crystal by changing the angle of polarization. When light
reaches the second polarizer the angle of polarization matches with plane of second
polarized glass filter and comes out of that. Hence it gives a brighter appearance to
display.
4. When electric field is applied across the plates, the liquid crystal molecules will
rearrange themselves to the applied electric field and hence rotation of plane polarised
light is affected.
5. Thus, light passing through first polariser cannot pass through second polariser and
gives dark display.
6. LCD can display images in colour by using colour filters. Each pixel of an LCD
contains three sub-pixel containing red, green and blue colours. By adjusting voltage
applied to the subpixel, the LCD can produce millions of different colours.
7. In the segment arrangement if electric field is applied to A, B, G, E, D Segments, the
number 2 will display.

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Organic light emitting diodes (OLED's)

OLEDs are thin film devices consisting of a stack of organic layers sandwiched
between two electrodes. OLEDs operate by converting electrical current into
light via an organic emitter.
Properties
Thinness and flexibility: OLEDs are very thin and flexible, which makes them
suitable for use in curved or flexible displays.
High contrast: OLEDs have a high contrast ratio, which means that they can
produce deep blacks and bright whites, resulting in images with vivid and rich
colors.
Fast response time: OLEDs have a fast response time, which means that they
can switch on and off quickly, resulting in smooth and seamless motion in video
content.
Wide viewing angle: OLEDs have a wide viewing angle, which means that the
image quality is maintained even when viewed from different angles.
Energy efficiency: OLEDs are energy efficient, as they do not require a
backlight like traditional LCD displays, resulting in lower power consumption.
Self-emissive: OLEDs are self-emissive, which means that they do not
require a separate light source, resulting in a thinner display.
Long lifespan: OLEDs have a long lifespan, as they do not contain a
back light that can degrade over time, resulting in a longer-lasting display.
Applications
Televisions and displays: OLED displays are used in televisions, monitors,
smartphones, and other electronic devices.

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Lighting: OLEDs can also be used as a source of lighting in various

applications, including automotive lighting, street lighting, and
architectural lighting.
Wearable devices: The thin and flexible nature of OLEDs makes them
suitable for use in wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness
trackers.
Automotive: OLEDs can be used in automotive applications, such as
dashboard displays, interior lighting, and taillights.
Medical: OLEDs can be used in medical applications, such as in
surgical lighting and medical imaging. They offer bright and highly
accurate lighting options that can help improve medical procedures and
diagnosis.
Quantum light emitting diodes (QLED’s)
Quantum light emitting diodes are a form of light emitting technology used for creating large
area displays. In QLED the light emitting is from the quantum dots such as cadmium selenide
nano crystals. They emit light under applied electric field.

Properties
Accurate and vibrant colors: QLEDs are capable of producing highly accurate
and vibrant colors due to their use of quantum dots, which emit light of a specific
color when they are excited by a light source or an electrical current.
Energy-efficient: QLEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional LCD
displays because they do not require as much backlighting.
High contrast: QLED displays have high contrast ratios, which means that the
difference between the darkest and brightest areas of the display is greater,
resulting in more detailed and lifelike images.
Long lifespan: QLEDs have a longer lifespan than traditional LCD displays
because they do not suffer from the same issues of backlight burnout or color
fading over time.
Fast response times: QLED displays have fast response times, which
means that they can display fast-moving images without motion blur.

Flexibility: QLEDs can be made on flexible substrates, which allows for

the creation of flexible displays that can be bent or curved.
Applications of QLED
Televisions and displays: QLED displays are commonly used in televisions,

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monitors, smartphones, and other electronic devices. They offer superior image
quality and color accuracy compared to traditional LCD displays.

Lighting: QLEDs can also be used as a source of lighting in various

applications, including automotive lighting, street lighting, and architectural
lighting.
Medical imaging: QLEDs can be used in medical imaging applications,
such as in MRI machines, to produce high-resolution and accurate images.
Virtual and augmented reality: QLED displays are suitable for use in virtual
and augmented reality applications due to their ability to produce vibrant and
accurate colors, which can enhance the immersive experience.
Advertising displays: QLED displays can be used in advertising
displays, such as digital billboards to produce high-quality and eye-catching
visuals.

Light emitting electrochemical cells

A light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC or LEEC) is a solid-state device that generates

light from an electric current (electroluminescence). LECs are usually composed of two

metal electrodes connected by (e.g. sandwiching) an organic semiconductor containing

mobile ions. These are organic molecule containing electronic device which emits light when
an electric current is applied across it. Light emission in these devices is due to the moment
of ions as a result of electrochemical redox reactions.
Properties
1. LEC is a simple single layer device. It can emit light from just a single active layer.
2. Light emission in these devices is due to movement of ions as a result of
electrochemical Redox reaction under applied external field.
3. The light emitter in LEC is immobile and in direct contact with both electrodes.
4. Operated at low voltage and have high efficiencies.

Applications
 They are mainly used as lightning devices
 They can be used in display devices.

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Question Bank on Material for Memory & Display Systems

1. Write a note on basic concepts of electronic memory.

2. What are memory devices. Explain the Classification of electronic memory devices with
examples.
3. Explain the types of organic memory materials (devices) by taking p type and n-type
semiconductor materials.
4. What are photoactive and electroactive materials. Explain working principle of photoactive
and electroactive materials in display system.
5. Write a note on nanomaterial (silicon nanocrystals) suitable for optoelectronic devices.
6. Write a note on Polyimide polymeric material suitable for organic memory devices.
7. What are nanomaterials. Explain any four properties and applications of (polythiophene-
P3HT) suitable for optoelectronic devices.
8. What are nanomaterials. Explain any four properties and applications of [9-Vinyl Carbazole]
(PVK) suitable for optoelectronic devices.
9. What are liquid crystals. Explain the classification of liquid crystals with suitable examples.
10. Mention any four properties and applications of Liquid crystals in display systems
11. Discuss the application of liquid crystals in display systems.
12. Mention any four properties and applications of OLED.
13. What is [Link] any four properties and applications of QLED.
14. Write a note on light emitting electrochemical cells.
15. Discuss the working of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).

Prashantha Somayaji
Assistant Professor
Department pf Chemistry
CEC, Benjanapadavu

CEC DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY 2022 SCHEME