Electroluminescence Spectra

Electroluminescence Spectra of Inorganic and Semiconducting Polymer LEDs

Introduction

The experiment is designed for a junior-level materials engineering laboratory course. Students will measure and compare the electroluminescence spectrum of an inorganic LED and the electroluminscence spectrum of a semiconducting polymer LED.

The unique feature of this experiment is the use of a semiconducting polymer LED. See R.H. Friend, R.W. Gymer, et al., "Electroluminescence in conjugated polymers," Nature 397 (1999) 121-128.

Expected educational outcomes

Students will gain an introduction to the concepts of electroluminescence, spectroscopy, and semiconducting polymers.

Students will learn how to use a spectrometer to make an electroluminescence measurement.

Students will learn how to measure the electroluminescence spectra of LEDs made from inorganic materials or semiconducting polymers.

Students will learn how electroluminescence spectra depend on chemical structure and material morphology.

Method

The procedure consists of recording the electroluminescence spectrum of each LED using the Ocean Optics spectrometer. Students then plot their results and compare the spectra.

Prepared by David Braun and Linda Vanasupa of Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo.
See http://www.ee.calpoly.edu/~dbraun/polyelec/

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