Proton Irradiation of Conjugated Polymer Thin Films

Graduate #101
Discipline: Science and Mathematics Education
Subcategory: Materials Science

Harold Lee - Norfolk State University
Co-Author(s): Sam Sun, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA

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While semiconductor based optoelectronic devices (such as solar cells or photo detectors) still outperform conjugated polymer based devices in regards to efficiency and stability, organic or polymer thin film based optoelectronic devices possess advantages such as being lightweight, flexible, easily tunable, and more cost effective to manufacture. Stability and durability of conjugated polymeric materials in the space environment are essential for potential polymer optoelectronic devices in high attitude air and space applications. Proton radiation is one of the most prevalent types of ionizing radiation in space, particularly in the so called inner Van-Allen belt region where most near-earth satellites are orbiting. In this study, polymer thin film were irradiated with proton radiation and spectroscopic studies were done before and after irradiation. Our studies reveal that proton radiation (dosages up to 800 Rad) appears to have a negligible impact on the optical and electronic properties of several conjugated polymer thin films. The results point to conjugated polymer based electronic and optoelectronic devices as very promising in potential space applications.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): Department of Defense (award # W911NF-15-1-0422) National Science Foundation (award # HRD-1547771); Department of Energy (award # EE0004002)

Faculty Advisor: Sam Sun, ssun@nsu.edu

Role: Solution preparation, film preparation, sample packing and handling, spectroscopic analysis, sample setup and removal on beam line at Nasa Space Radiation Laboratory.