Polymer-Based Photonics

COFFEE_KLATCH · Invited

Abstract

From plastic solar cells to plastic light emitting diodes. From plastic transistors to plastic lasers. Advances in organic materials over the last several years, has resulted in the promise for more competitive polymer-based optical, electronic and electro-optic devices. Devices based on polymeric materials offer the potential for very large area, lightweight, flexible circuits with simpler and less expensive fabrication. Device properties can also be tailored through materials engineering. On a more futuristic topic, researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory are currently utilizing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), derived from salmon sperm, to process materials with both the desired optical and electromagnetic properties for electro-optic devices. In addition, the DNA being used is derived from waste product, is abundant, is inexpensive and is a green material.

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Authors

  • Perry Yaney

    Department of Physics, University of Oregon, USAF Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, NHMFL, CRIEPI, UCSD, University of Dayton, L-3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics, University of Georgia, Air Force Research Laboratory, Anteon Corporation, California State University-Chico, The Ohio State University, Univ. Akron, Air Force Institute of Technology, Albion College, Albion, MI 49224, Physics Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Mound Laser \& Photonics Center, Inc., Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, San Jose, CA 95120, University of Dayton Research Institute, University of South Alabama, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Anteon, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoac\'{a}n, Mexico, Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, Department of Physics, The University of Akron, Physics Department and The Future-Chips Constellation, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Local Co-Chair