Multivalued logic circuits, which can handle more information than conventional binary logic circuits, have attracted much attention as a promising way to improve the data-processing capabilities of integrated circuits. In this study, we developed a ternary inverter based on organic field-effect transistors (OFET) as a potential component of high-performance and flexible integrated circuits. Key elements are anti-ambipolar and n-type OFETs connected in series. First, we demonstrate an organic ternary inverter that exhibits three distinct logic states. Second, the operating voltage was greatly reduced by taking advantage of an Al2O3 gate dielectric. Finally, the operating voltage was finely tuned by the designing of the device geometry. These results are achievable owing to the flexible controllability of the device configuration, suggesting that the organic ternary inverter plays an important role with regard to high-performance organic integrated circuits.
Keywords: Organic field-effect transistor; anti-ambipolar transistor; multivalued logic circuit; ternary inverter.