Limits to Quantum Efficiency in Electroluminescent Devices Based on Conjugated Polymers

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Abstract
Excited state dynamics in poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) have been studied by transient absorption and photoluminescence measurements. The quantum yield of emissive singlet exciton photogeneration is estimated not to exceed 20 %. This is mostly limited by efficient formation of non-emissive interchain “spatially indirect” singlet excitons analogous to those in type II semiconductor heterostructures which decay nonradiatively. We also show that exciton quenching by oxidation defects is an additional process which can dramatically reduce photoluminescence quantum yield.