New OLED material design from St Andrews is enhancing brightness and efficiency
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Apr 01, 2024

In a groundbreaking study from the University of St Andrews, a team of researchers has introduced a novel methodology poised to significantly enhance the efficiency of light-emitting devices, promising advancements in the realms of consumer electronics and beyond. This pioneering research, carried out by the Organic Semiconductor Centre at the School of Physics and Astronomy, alongside the School of Chemistry, has been detailed in a recent publication in Nature dated 27 March.

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the technology behind the vibrant displays of most modern smartphones, smartwatches, certain televisions, and automotive lighting, are the focus of this new study. Although current-generation OLED materials boast high efficiencies at lower brightness levels, their performance traditionally dips when brightness is cranked up for outdoor viewing or illumination purposes, a challenge known as 'efficiency roll-off'.

The St Andrews team, spearheaded by Professors Ifor Samuel and Eli Zysman-Colman, has successfully pinpointed a blend of material characteristics that surmounts the efficiency roll-off hurdle. The guidelines they've formulated are expected to usher in a new era of OLED materials that retain their high efficiency even at the luminosity needed for diverse applications, ranging from electronic displays to medical lighting.

Professor Zysman-Colman shed light on the significance of their findings, stating that the research elucidates the intricate relationship between the molecular properties of the emitter material and the overall performance of OLEDs. Professor Samuel further emphasized the practical implications of their work, envisioning the development of OLEDs that are not only brighter and more colorful but also more power-efficient.

Research Report:A Figure of Merit for Efficiency Roll-off in TADF-based Organic LEDs

Related Links
University of St. Andrews
Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture
Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com