Signal Processing, Memory, and Light Emission All at Once... Seoul National University Develops 'All-in-One Semiconductor' [Reading Science]

Ultra-Low Voltage Organic Semiconductor Operates Below 3V, Down from 100V
Computation, Memory, and Display Integrated in One Device
Paving the Way for Intelligent Artificial Skin Applications

A next-generation semiconductor capable of simultaneously performing information processing, storage, and visualization—all within a single device, which are the core functions of wearable electronics—has been developed. By addressing the high-voltage operation issue that has been a major limitation of conventional organic semiconductors, this breakthrough is seen as a significant step toward realizing AI-based artificial skin and advanced healthcare devices.

On June 9, the National Research Foundation of Korea announced that a research team led by Professor Lee Tae-woo of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Seoul National University has developed a new organic semiconductor device. This device emits bright and stable light while retaining information storage capabilities, even at ultra-low voltages.

Principle of Operation of Ultra-Low Voltage Organic Light-Emitting Transistors and Wearable Applications. Provided by the research team

Recently, wearable electronic devices have evolved beyond simple sensors to analyze data in real time and deliver it directly to users. However, until now, signal processing units, memory, and displays have had to be fabricated separately and then connected, resulting in complex structures and high power consumption.

To address these challenges, the research team developed an integrated device that performs computation, memory, and light emission functions simultaneously within a single semiconductor.

The key innovation was the introduction of an ion transport-promoting material into the organic semiconductor, which lowered the barrier for charge injection. As a result, the team succeeded in operating organic transistors—which previously required voltages close to 100V for light emission—at ultra-low voltages below 3V. This is about the same voltage as two standard batteries.

Remembers Like the Brain, Displays Results with Light

Rather than merely lowering the required voltage, the research team applied the brain’s neural information storage mechanism to the semiconductor. By leveraging the movement and accumulation of ions, they implemented a memory function that allows the device to remember external stimuli and control its response.

Consequently, the semiconductor can autonomously store and process input information, and can express calculation results directly as light without the need for a separate display. This eliminates the necessity of connecting a computing device, memory, and display separately, as has been the case previously.

The researchers expect that this technology could enable on-skin devices that adhere closely to the skin to analyze biosignals in real time and instantly deliver results to users.

Professor Lee Tae-woo stated, "This research demonstrates that all functions—computation, memory, and display—can be integrated into a single semiconductor device, eliminating the need to fabricate and connect separate components." He added, "We anticipate that it will become a core technology for intelligent artificial skin and wearable healthcare in the future."

This research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea through the Pioneer Project for Promising Convergence Technologies and the Global Leader Research Follow-up Program. The results were published in the international journal Nature Materials in the field of materials science.

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