Introduction

What is transparent electronics?

In transparent electronics the usual opaque

semiconductor materials forming the basis for

electronic device fabrication is replaced with

transparent materials.

There are two technologies which preceded

and underlie transparent electronics:

1. Transparent Conducting Oxides (TCOs)

2. Thin Film Transistors (TFTs)

Transparent Conducting Oxides TCOs)

TCOs constitute an unusual class of materials

possessing two physical properties (generally

considered mutually exclusive):

1. High optical transparency. ( Eg>3.1eV)

2. High electrical conductivity.

Transparent electronic
devices
Transparent Passive devices
Transparent Active devices

Transparent Passive devices

Transparent Thin Film Resistors

Transparent Thin Film Capacitors

Transparent Thin Film Inductors

Transparent Thin Film Resistors

Transparent Thin Film Capacitors

Energy band in a Schottky barrier

Transparent Thin Film Transistors

Constitutes the heart of transparent
electronics

Channel is formed from highly insulating, wide

band gap transparent semiconductor(ZnO).

Source, drain and gate contacts are made

from highly conductive TCO (ITO).

Two possible configurations are:

a) Bottom gate
b) Top gate

Possible structure, (a) Bottom gate, and

(b) Top gate.

Operation of a bottom gate TFT

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Weaknesses

Visible transparency

High resistance of TCOs

Large area

Lack of complementary devices

Low cost (solution based

deposition and printing)
Low temperature processing
Free real estate
Passive availability (R & C)

Robust stable inorganic materials

Safe, nontoxic materials

Technological immaturity

Applications

Active Matrix LCD (AMLCD).

Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Device
display backplane (AMOLED).

Value added glass.

Transparent electronics on opaque substrates.

UV detectors and arrays

Transparent solar cells
UV detectors for spectrally resolved imaging.
Security applications:
Invisible cameras and
Invisible RFIDs

Conclusion

Started as a mere electrical device technology

during world war 2, transparent electronics

now holds the key for many future

advancements in security, entertainment
efficient utilization of energy.