OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Plastic electronics

Gilles Horowitz

Plastic electronics is a concept that emerged forty years ago, with the discovery of electrically conductive polymers. Ten years later, the first electronic devices using organic solids in place of the ubiquitous inorganic semiconductors were realised. The best achievement of plastic electronics is constituted by Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) that equip the display of many smartphones, and even TV sets.

Read more

Plastic electronics is a concept that emerged forty years ago, with the discovery of electrically conductive polymers. Ten years later, the first electronic devices using organic solids in place of the ubiquitous inorganic semiconductors were realised. The best achievement of plastic electronics is constituted by Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) that equip the display of many smartphones, and even TV sets.

The objective of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the physics of plastic electronic devices. After taking this course, the student should be able to demonstrate theoretical knowledge on the following subjects:

Concept of organic semiconductors;

Charge carrier transport in polymeric and organic semiconductors;

Optical properties of organic semiconductors;

Charge injection from metals to organic solids;

Operating mode of the main plastic electronic devices: Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) and organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to plastic electronics
This first module is an introduction to the concept of semiconductor, which is the primary consituent of all electronic decives. We also show how some organic compounds can behave as semiconductors.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores a new and rapidly growing field that impacts many industries
Develops a strong foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which are used in many modern technologies
Covers a wide range of topics with high relevance to industry
Taught by an instructor who is recognized for their work in plastic electronics
Includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, and discussions, which can appeal to a variety of learning styles
Provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, which is suitable for students with a range of backgrounds

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive physics of plastic electronics

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive theoretical foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, including OLEDs, OPVs, and OFETs. Many learners highlight the detailed explanations of core concepts like charge transport and optical properties as particularly strong points. However, it is frequently noted that the material is quite challenging and likely requires a solid background in physics or materials science to fully grasp. While the course provides a deep dive into the theory, some reviewers wished for more practical examples or lab content. Overall sentiment is largely positive, with students appreciating the depth of coverage despite the high level of difficulty.
Covers physics thoroughly, less emphasis on application.
"The course is heavily focused on the theoretical aspects, which is great, but I was hoping for a bit more on practical applications or fabrication."
"It's all about the physics here, which is good, but don't expect hands-on projects or detailed engineering design."
"Gives a strong theoretical grounding but could benefit from more real-world examples or demonstrations."
Specific physics concepts are well-explained.
"The explanations of charge transport and optical properties were particularly clear and helped solidify my understanding."
"I found the module on interfaces very well explained, breaking down complex ideas effectively."
"Lectures do a good job of explaining difficult physics principles like semiconductor behavior in organic materials."
Provides a deep dive into the underlying physics.
"I really appreciated the depth of the physics covered; it gave me a strong understanding of the 'why' behind these devices."
"The course laid out a very comprehensive theoretical base for understanding organic semiconductors and their behavior."
"Excellent overview of the physics principles required for plastic electronics, focusing on the fundamentals."
Material is advanced and challenging for newcomers.
"Be warned, this course is quite demanding and you absolutely need a solid physics background to keep up."
"I found it challenging at times, especially without a strong prior understanding of semiconductor physics."
"This isn't really for beginners; it assumes a certain level of familiarity with concepts from solid-state physics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Plastic electronics with these activities:
Review basic physics concepts
Reinforce basic physics concepts to build a strong foundation for the course
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Review the basics of electricity and magnetism
  • Practice solving simple physics problems
Review electromagnetism concepts
Reviewing the fundamentals of electromagnetism will strengthen your understanding of semiconductor behavior.
Browse courses on Electromagnetism
Show steps
  • Revise Gauss's law, Faraday's law, and Ampere's law.
  • Solve practice problems involving electromagnetic fields.
Explore online tutorials on polymer synthesis
Gain insights into the techniques used to synthesize organic semiconductors
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online resources for polymer synthesis tutorials
  • Follow a tutorial to synthesize a specific organic semiconductor
13 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 16 activities
Review your General Chemistry notes
Brushing up on general chemistry before enrolling will help this new material make more sense from the start.
Browse courses on General Chemistry
Show steps
  • Locate your notes from your last General Chemistry course
  • Review definitions, key chemical formulas, chemical structures, and key principles
Discuss charge injection mechanisms
Enhance your understanding of charge injection mechanisms through peer discussions.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates
  • Prepare by reviewing the concepts of charge injection
  • Facilitate discussions, sharing knowledge and insights
Engage in discussions with other learners about organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs)
Share knowledge and perspectives with peers to enhance understanding of OPVs
Show steps
  • Identify online forums or discussion groups focused on OPVs
  • Participate in discussions and share insights
Explore the physics of organic semiconductors
Guided tutorials will provide you with structured guidance to深入理解 the underlying physics of organic semiconductors.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on the electronic properties of organic materials.
  • Follow the tutorials, taking notes and asking questions in discussion forums.
  • Apply your newfound knowledge to understand the concepts covered in the course.
Solve practice problems on charge carrier transport
Enhance understanding of the key concept of charge carrier transport in organic semiconductors
Show steps
  • Complete a series of exercises on charge carrier mobility and diffusion
  • Analyze experimental data on charge carrier transport in organic materials
Solve practice problems
Sharpen your understanding of charge carrier transport in organic semiconductors by solving practice problems.
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of charge carrier transport in organic semiconductors
  • Attempt solving practice problems
  • Check your answers and identify areas for improvement
Solve problems on charge carrier transport
Regular practice will enhance your ability to analyze and solve problems related to charge carrier transport, a critical aspect of plastic electronics.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems on charge carrier transport in organic semiconductors.
  • Attempt to solve the problems independently.
  • Review your solutions and seek clarification on any difficulties encountered.
Create a mind map of plastic electronic devices
Creating a mind map will help you visualize and connect the different types of plastic electronic devices and their applications.
Show steps
  • Gather information about different plastic electronic devices from the course materials and other sources.
  • Brainstorm and organize the information into a mind map.
  • Add connections and relationships between the devices.
Write a blog post summarizing the key concepts of plastic electronics
Reinforce understanding by explaining the fundamental principles to others
Show steps
  • Identify the most important concepts to cover
  • Research and gather relevant information
  • Write the blog post in a clear and engaging manner
Explore online tutorials on OLED displays
Deepen your understanding of OLED displays by exploring informative tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for reliable online tutorials on OLED displays
  • Watch or read the tutorials carefully, taking notes
  • Apply the knowledge gained to your understanding of OLEDs
Contribute to an open-source project related to plastic electronics
Gain practical experience by contributing to the development of organic electronics technology
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable open-source project
  • Understand the project's goals and codebase
  • Identify an area where you can contribute
Design a basic organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device
Apply knowledge of OLEDs to design and optimize a functional device
Show steps
  • Research the different layers and materials used in OLEDs
  • Design the device architecture and optimize layer thicknesses
  • Evaluate the performance of the designed OLED device
Design a basic organic solar cell
Solidify your understanding of organic photovoltaic cells by designing a basic solar cell.
Show steps
  • Research the principles of organic solar cells
  • Sketch a basic design for your solar cell
  • Calculate the expected performance of your design
  • Present your design to classmates or instructors for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Plastic electronics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Optoelectronics Engineer
An Optoelectronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests optoelectronic devices, which are devices that convert light into electrical signals or vice versa. Plastic electronics plays a vital role in the development of optoelectronic devices, as it enables the creation of flexible and lightweight devices that can be used in a variety of applications. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as an Optoelectronics Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Optoelectronics Engineer
Materials Scientist
A Materials Scientist researches and develops new materials for use in a variety of applications, including electronics, energy storage, and medicine. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Materials Scientists are needed to develop new materials for use in plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Materials Scientist in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist
Electronic Engineer
An Electronic Engineer designs, develops, and tests electronic circuits and devices. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Electronic Engineers are needed to design and develop new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as an Electronic Engineer in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electronic Engineer
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts research in a specific field of science, such as physics, chemistry, or biology. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Research Scientists are needed to conduct research on new materials and devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Research Scientist in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Device Physicist
A Device Physicist researches the physics of electronic devices. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Device Physicists are needed to research the physics of new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Device Physicist in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Device Physicist
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and marketing materials. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Technical Writers are needed to create technical documentation for new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Technical Writer in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Patent Attorney
A Patent Attorney helps clients obtain patents for their inventions. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Patent Attorneys are needed to help clients obtain patents for new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Patent Attorney in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer sells technical products and services to customers. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Sales Engineers are needed to sell new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Sales Engineer in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer
Product Manager
A Product Manager manages the development and launch of new products. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Product Managers are needed to manage the development and launch of new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Product Manager in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns for products and services. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Marketing Managers are needed to develop and execute marketing campaigns for new plastic electronic devices. This course can help you build a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which will prepare you for a career as a Marketing Manager in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager identifies and develops new business opportunities for a company. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Business Development Managers are needed to identify and develop new business opportunities for companies in this field. This course may be helpful for building a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which can be beneficial for a career as a Business Development Manager in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and executes projects. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Project Managers are needed to plan and execute projects in this field. This course may be helpful for building a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which can be beneficial for a career as a Project Manager in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
A Quality Assurance Manager ensures that products and services meet quality standards. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Quality Assurance Managers are needed to ensure that new plastic electronic devices meet quality standards. This course may be helpful for building a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which can be beneficial for a career as a Quality Assurance Manager in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to make investment recommendations. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Financial Analysts are needed to analyze financial data for companies in this field. This course may be helpful for building a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which can be beneficial for a career as a Financial Analyst in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Accountant
An Accountant prepares and analyzes financial statements. Plastic electronics is a rapidly growing field, and Accountants are needed to prepare and analyze financial statements for companies in this field. This course may be helpful for building a foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which can be beneficial for a career as an Accountant in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Plastic electronics.
Cover image
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the different materials and devices used in OLEDs, covering both the fundamentals and applications.
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes: Principles,...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Organic Photovoltaics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of organic photovoltaics, covering topics such as materials, devices, and applications in a single volume.
Organic Photovoltaics: Materials, Device Physics,...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of organic electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices, and it would be useful for additional reading.
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Loose Leaf
$$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Hardcover
$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry, 6e Student...
Paperback
$$$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry, 6th Edition
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry, 6e WileyPLUS...
Loose Leaf
$$$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Student...
Paperback
$$$
Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Student...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Organic Solar Cells
Save
Provides a more in-depth look at the physics of organic semiconductors, and it would be useful for additional reading.
Organic Solar Cells: Theory, Experiment, and Device...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Semiconducting Polymers
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of semiconducting polymers, and it would be useful for additional reading.
Semiconducting Polymers: Controlled Synthesis and...
Hardcover
$$$
Handbook of Organic Electronics and Photonics:...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of organic materials for optical and (opto)electronic applications, and it would be useful for additional reading.
Handbook of Organic Electronics and Photonics:...
Paperback
Check
Handbook of Organic Electronics and Photonics:...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Organic Solar Cells
Save
Provides a more in-depth look at organic photovoltaics, and it would be useful for additional reading.
Organic Solar Cells: Materials Design, Technology...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
École Polytechnique
Instructor
Gilles Horowitz
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores a new and rapidly growing field that impacts many industries
Develops a strong foundation in the physics of plastic electronic devices, which are used in many modern technologies
Covers a wide range of topics with high relevance to industry
Taught by an instructor who is recognized for their work in plastic electronics
Includes a mix of media, such as videos, readings, and discussions, which can appeal to a variety of learning styles
Provides a comprehensive overview of the subject matter, which is suitable for students with a range of backgrounds
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Plastic electronics.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser