Bulk versus Contact Doping in Organic Semiconductors

Abstract

This study presents a comparative theoretical analysis of different doping schemes in organic semiconductor devices. Especially, an in-depth investigation into bulk and contact doping methods is conducted, focusing on their direct impact on the terminal characteristics of field-effect transistors. We use experimental data from a high-performance undoped organic transistor to prepare a base simulation framework and carry out a series of predictive simulations with various positionand density-dependent doping conditions. Bulk doping is shown to offer an overall effective current modulation, while contact doping proves to be rather useful to overcome high-barrier contacts. We additionally demonstrate the concept of selective channel doping as an alternative and establish a critical understanding of device performances associated with the key electrostatic features dictated by interfaces and applied voltages. © 2021 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.