Tunneling controlled electroluminescence switching in bilayer light emitting diodes

Abstract
It has been reported that in bilayer light emitting diodes in which large internal energy barriers for holes and electrons exist, electroluminescence features a step function-like onset upon applying the voltage. A theory is advanced to explain that effect. It is based upon time-dependent accumulation of interfacial charge followed by tunneling across the interface. Good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained. The effect may be exploited for signal addressing in flat panel displays.