The backbone of the current microelectronics industry are components based on silicon semiconductors. However, the perspectives for further developments are limited due to material constraints like non availability for flexible devices, optical opacity and need for high temperature processing. The emerging class of oxide semiconductors is able to overcome many of those restrictions, especially because some of them can be prepared as thin (transparent) films under comparatively moderate conditions.
On the same line, functional oxides, with combination of properties, such as dynamic control of optical transparency and efficient light management, have been of increasing interest over the last decade. Such coatings have opened up completely new applications areas such as smart windows, solar cell façades, etc., which can contribute significantly to reduce the global energy footprint of buildings and consequently the realization of green buildings.
In this presentation, after briefly introducing oxide-based functional materials, we shall focus on recent developments at MRG/IESL/FORTH on n-type and p-type oxides for optoelectronic applications as well as on chromogenic (thermo-electro-chromic) materials for smart windows and energy efficient buildings.