An organic memory phototransistor based on oxygen-assisted persistent photoconductivity

Abstract Persistent photoconductivity (PPC) behavior in organic phototransistors has fascinating potentials in applications of photoelectronic devices. A key issue is how the presence of air affects the PPC behavior. Here, combining with the theoretical and experimental results, the PPC behavior is associated with photogenerated electrons trapped in oxygen atom-induced the reduced Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbitals or oxygen molecule-induced new trap state within energy bandgap of organic semiconductor. Inspired by the potential applications arising from the PPC behavior, organic memory phototransistors (OMPTs) are achieved by light programming and electrical erasing. The OMPTs show bistable current states as well as long retention times. Our results suggested that oxygen in air plays a key role in PPC behavior and provides a guidance for controlling the PPC behavior toward integrated multifunctional optoelectronic devices.