Molecular Photonics
(The B-Team)
Our research involves the synthesis and study of thin-film photonic materials, both for producing organic electroluminescent materials (Organic LED) and nonlinear optics to double or modulate light in optical data transmission. These materials are made using nanoscopic self-assembled techniques, producing a robust molecular assembly. In addition to characterization and synthesis, the theory of molecular photonic processes is studied in collaboration with Professor Ratner.
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on either
polymers or small molecules are attracting attention for potential applications
in flat panel displays (FPDs) due to their high luminescent efficiency,
low driving voltage, large viewing angle, light weight, simple device
fabrication, and potential low cost. A typical OLED structure consists
of one or more layers of organic materials sandwiched between a transparent
indium tin oxide (ITO) anode coated on glass, and a metal cathode such
as Mg, Al, Ag or their alloys. When a d.c. voltage is a applied between
the anode and the cathode, holes and electrons are injected in the organic
layers from the anode and cathode, respectively, and radiatively recombine,
emitting light. Summary of the physics
of OLED operation
Pixlelated OLED is an important object of study to commercialize OLED for various display applications. Compared with photolithgraphy, micro-contact printing is a cheaper, more convenient route to pattern pixels of micron scale on ITO.
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