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Course Topics
1) Introduction - I. semiconductors, Organic semiconducting (macro)molecules, Pi-orbitals and conjugation ii. Excitations: excitons and polarons iii. Exciton spin: singlets and triplets iv. Synopsis electronic and optical processes v. Optical properties: a few examples vi. Summary of optical properties 2) Organic light-emitting diodes a. Structure b. Fundamental processes i. Charge injection ii. Charge transport iii. Exciton formation iv. Exciton decay c. Characterisation of OLEDs i. Relevant performance parameters ii. Characterising metal-semiconductor contacts: d. Practical implementations i. Anodes ii. Cathodes iii. Active materials iv. Fabrication technology: solution processability e. State-of-the-art devices and future prospects 3) Organic photovoltaic diodes (PVDs) - a. Fundamental process b. Characterisation of PVDs c. Examples of polymer-based PVDs d. State-of-the-art devices and future prospects 4) Supramolecular structures - a. Introduction to secondary (non covalent) interactions b. Threaded molecular wires (TMWs). 5) Near-infrared (NIR) emitting + absorbing materials a. Overview b. Challenges: the energy gap "rule" c. Materials not leveraging triplet-assisted photophysics d. Current state-of-the-art 6) Advanced bio-optoelectronic applications a. Role of conjugated polymers in advanced bio-optoelectronic applications i. Artificial retina technologies ii. Biohybrid interfaces iii. Bioprinting.

Teaching format
Lectures (online or in presence)

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding Knowledge and understanding of: - the fundamental physical and chemical properties fof organic semiconductors (OS) - Understanding basic operation of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) - Understanding basic operation of light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) - Understanding basic operation of organic solar cells 2. Applying knowledge and understanding 3. Ability to apply knowledge for solving given problems, including solving them with numerical data, approximating significant numbers, and taking care of the notation of units. Making judgements 4. Ability to judge plausibility of results. Communication skills 5. Maturing of technical-scientific terminology. Ability to learn 6. Learning skills to independently study and apply methods of physics for specific applications beyond topics covered in this lecture.

Assessment
Oral exam in which the students are expected to give a 20 minutes presentation on a topic of their choice among those treated during the course and of particular relevance to their PhD project. This will serve as a basis. Additional questions will be asked to test basic understanding and ability of the student to apply the concepts to relevant applications.

Evaluation criteria
The grading will be based on: - Clarity and correctness of the presentation. - The correctness of the answers given to the questions, and of the terminology used.