Transparent and Flexible Heaters Based on Al:ZnO Degenerate Semiconductor

Graduate #136
Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science

Monee K. Roul - Norfolk State University
Co-Author(s): Brandon Obasogie, University,Norfolk State,Norfolk; Gilbert Kogo, University,Norfolk State,Norfolk; R.M. Mundle, University,Norfolk State,Norfolk; J.R. Dkuza, University, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti,Michigan; A.K. Pradhan, University,Norfolk State,Norfolk;

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We report on the high performance transparent Al:ZnO (AZO) thin film heaters on flexible polymer (polyethylene terephthalate) and glass substrates which demonstrate low sheet resistivity. AZO thin films were grown by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at low Ts (below 200°C) on flexible, transparent PET substrates that show stable and reproducible results by applying low (< 10 V) voltages. This study also examined identical AZO thin films on glass substrates that showed highly reproducible heating effects due to Joule heating effect. The potential applications are foldable and wearable electronics, pain/injury therapy smart windows, automobile window defrosters, and low-cost power electronics. Keywords: Transparent conducting oxides, Al:ZnO, Joules Heating, semiconductor, conductivity. Acknowledgements : This work is supported by the NSF-CREST (CNBMD) Grant number HRD 1036494 and CREST-CREAM HRD-1547771. We thank Sangram Pradhan and Christian Carvajal for experimental help

Abstract_ERN.docx

Funder Acknowledgement(s): This work is supported by the NSF-CREST (CNBMD) Grant number HRD 1036494 and CREST-CREAM HRD-1547771.

Faculty Advisor: Dr.M.J.Bahoura, mbahoura@nsu.edu

Role: I did the growth and optimization of AZO thin films. I also performed the structural,electrical and optical characteristics along with the heating measurements.