Process creates flexible electronics products at low cost

"The method is simple and can therefore be of interest for future mass production of cheap electronics," said physicist Ludvig Edman, pictured. The process is based on painting thin films of electronic materials on flexible surfaces, such as paper or plastic. Electronic components with various functions can then be created by patterning the film with a specific structure. Until now, said Edman, it has been problematic to carry out this patterning without destroying the electronic properties of the organic material. "We have now developed a method that enables us to create patterns in an efficient and gentle way. With the patterned organic material as a base, we have managed to produce functioning transistors," he added. A thin film of an organic electronic material – a fullerene – is painted on a selected surface. The parts of the film that are to remain in place are directly exposed to laser light, after which the whole film is developed by rinsing it with a solution. A well defined pattern then emerges. The researchers say the key advantage of the approach is its simplicity and scalability, making it attractive for the future production of low cost, flexible electronic devices in an assembly line process.