CPE at the Natural History Museum Late

CPE students and researchers talk to the public about plastic electronics

At the end of July, CPE members showcased some of the research going on in the field of plastic electronics at the Natural History Museum Late.

At the end of July, CPE researchers and students showcased some of the research going on in the field of plastic electronics at the Natural History Museum Lates evening. With an event theme of ‘Colour and Vision,’ this was the perfect setting to demonstrate the science behind bright organic LED devices from Cambridge Display Technology, how some polymers can emit light, and the way solar cells made of different materials absorb different colours of light.

We were overwhelmed at the interest from the public in the field of plastic electronics, a completely new concept to many. Children and adults alike were excited by the prospect of flexible TV screens and solar panels which are made possible by plastic electronics research. They also enjoyed our solar-powered videogame and being able to build a spectroscope (or ‘rainbow in a box’) from just a piece of card and a CD. 

We look forward to the next event!

Demos included FLEX-OLED devices from CDT, luminescent polymers and a colour mixing box to demonstrate the relationship between light and colour.

Eric Burns, Artem Bakulin, Madeleine Morris, Sam Cryer, Alice Smith, Hyojung Cha and Sebastian Pont all helped with the NHM Lates event.