Abstract
We have succeeded in developing the world's lightest (3g/m2) and thinnest (2μm) mechanically flexible organic photoelectric conversion devices [ultrathin organic solar cells and ultrathin organic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) ] and electronic switches (ultrathin organic transistor integrated circuits) utilizing the intrinsic flexibility and processability at low temperatures of thin organic materials. Successful integration of a transistor and a p-n diode (LED or optical sensor), which are basic components of electronics, on a polymer film with a thickness of only 1μm is expected to lead to the fundamental technology enabling the realization of ultrathin imperceptible wearable electronics that can change their shape according to the shape of the surface on which they are placed in the near future. In this review, the progress in the development and technical issues of ultrathin (∼1μm) flexible electronics as well as their future prospects including their applications in fields ranging from next-generation biomedicine to welfare are introduced.
