Unique "plastic electronics" laboratory
Unique in Poland organic electronics lab for research on the latest devices in the field of "plastic electronics" opened at the Department of Molecular Physics, Łódź University of Technology.
According to Prof. Jacek Ulański, rector representative for the European
Centre for Bio and Nanotechnology, the new laboratory has been equipped
with a system of five gloveboxes, allowing the development of research
on the latest so-called plastic electronics devices.
"This generation of electronics is not silicon-based, like one currently
around us, it is based on organic molecules, often on polymers. These
are completely new applications. Imagine being able to print an active
TV screen on a T-shirt. Technically it is possible" - said prof.
Ulański.
The laboratory was established in the Department of
Molecular Physics, Łódź University of Technology. It was equipped with a
system of five so-called five gloveboxes with specially controlled
atmosphere. This enables the preparation of polymer transistors, LEDs
and solar cells from organic material. "Later, we can place it in an air
and moisture-tight packaging, and then remove from the glovebox and
normally use" - explained the researcher.
According to Ulański,
such system consisting of five gloveboxes allows to complete a full
cycle of research and applications. "From synthesis, preparation of the
device, to examining the characteristics of the device we can do
everything within one cycle. It is a unique system size in Poland" -
said prof. Ulański.
The laboratory is also equipped with a solar
simulator. The cost of the glovebox system exceeded PLN 2 million, and
the entire investment - PLN 3 million. The laboratory will be used by
other research teams, including the Centre of Molecular and
Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences in Łódź. In the
future it become a part of the European Centre for Bio and
Nanotechnology (ECBNT), which is to be established at the Łódź
University of Technology by 2015.
The Centre development plans
are being discussed at the university by the International Advisory
Committee, chaired by Prof. Krzysztof Matyjaszewski of Carnegie Mellon
University in Pittsburgh. He is a world renowned expert on polymers,
years ago mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize. The committee
also consists of scientists from Italy, USA, France and Belgium.
Presented
are research projects on application of nanomaterials and biomaterials
in biotechnology, medicine, textile industry and in electronics. The
researchers also discuss long-term research and investment plans of the
Centre.
"Together with experts from Europe and the U.S. we are
considering, what equipment should be provided for ECBNT laboratories so
that the Centre can most efficiently use funds for this project from
the Regional Operational Programme of the Łódź region and from the
Ministry of Science" - emphasized Prof. Ulański.
According to
prof. Matyjaszewski, it is very important to train staff for the Centre,
who will be able to stay abroad and study in the best institutions,
where they obtains knowledge at the highest international level.
"Without people we can not do anything. Even with amazing equipment, we
will not get any results without the staff who can handle it properly".
In his opinion, in the future, the
Łódź University of Technology Centre will develop modern solution that
will be important not only for science, but potentially can be used and
implemented in industry. "And so the Łódź region will benefit. It will
be quite a unique institution and members of the Advisory Council will
be very happy to assist in its quick and proper development" - said the
scientist.
The creation of the European Centre for
Bio-Nanotechnology is expected to cost nearly PLN 150 million. It will
be one of the country's most modern research and development centres.
For its needs, by 2015 Łódź University of Technology will build a modern
building adapted to the technical conditions of installation and
operation of advanced research equipment. Initial construction works are
to start this year.
The university authorities assure tat the
research will focus mainly on environmental protection, energy and
health. The Centre will carry out the entire process - from theoretical
studies to implementation. Due to the rapid advances in biotechnology
and nanotechnology, research programs will be constantly updated, and
research and implementation consortia will be formed for the needs of
specific projects.
180 scientists will carry out research at the
Centre, and further 500 will use the labs on a collaborative basis. Half
of the investment will be financed with EU funds. Other funds will
come from the special state budget reserve at the disposal of the
Ministry of Science. (PAP)
last modification: 2011-02-02
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