Changing the Future of Electronics... and Women Scientists

Imagine a TV screen that can be rolled up and down like a window shade, or a laptop computer screen that provides clarity and true color from all angles. Professors Velda Goldberg, Michael Kaplan, and Len Soltzberg from the chemistry and physics departments are working with their students – in conjunction with the Cornell Center for Materials Research at Cornell University – to make such products a reality. This work is part of a three-year, $430,000 Women in Materials science (WIM) project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The goal of the study is to develop tiny light sources called organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that are not only flexible, but also have long-term durability. The OLEDS need to surpass the durability of LEDs (light emitting diodes), a staple for alarm clocks and VCR displays. "Current generation OLEDs lose their brightness over time and are sensitive to air and moisture," said Soltzberg, who serves as the project’s co-investigator with Professor Jennifer Canfield.

Simmons scientists and their students are analyzing the potential of polymers (large molecules) for use in OLEDs using two recently acquired, state-of-the-art pieces of equipment. A $167,000, NSF-funded mass spectrometer will identify the number, type, and mass of molecules found in those polymers. A $100,000 atomic force microscope, funded by the George I. Alden Trust, will be used to study the surfaces of semiconductors and polymers at extremely high magnification.

WIM students are involved in all aspects of this work, and even first-year WIM students will have access to the new equipment as they get involved in research early in their studies. "This is usually the domain of grad students, but we want to introduce the students to the instruments as soon as possible," said Soltzberg.

contact

Katie Fiermonti
617-521-2369

 

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