Conjugated polymers. New materials for optoelectronic devices*
R. H. Friend
Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3
0HE, UK
Abstract: Conjugated polymers now provide a class of processible,
film-forming semiconductors and metals. We have worked on the development
of the semiconductor physics of these materials by using them as the
active components in a range of semiconductor devices. Polymer light-emitting
diodes show particular promise, and recent developments in color range
(red, green, and blue), efficiency (above 20 lumen/W for green emitters),
and operating lifetime are discussed. Progress on their application
to displays, with integration with active-matrix TFT drive, and with
patterned deposition using inkjet printing techniques is also reviewed.
The role played by interfaces between electrode and semiconducting polymer
is also discussed.
*Lecture presented at the XVIIIth IUPAC Symposium on
Photochemistry, Dresden, German , 22-27 July 2000.Other presentations
are published in this issue, pp.395-548.
