Solid-state lighting

Abstract: Status and future outlook of III-V compound semiconductor visible-spectrum light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are presented. Light extraction techniques are reviewed and extraction efficiencies are quantified in the 60%+ (AlGaInP) and ~80% (InGaN) regimes for state-of-the-art devices. The phosphor-based white LED concept is reviewed and recent performance discussed, showing that high-power white LEDs now approach the 100-lm/W regime. Devices employing multiple phosphors for "warm" white color temperatures (~3000-4000 K) and high color rendering (CRI>80), which provide properties critical for many illumination applications, are discussed. Recent developments in chip design, packaging, and high current performance lead to very high luminance devices (~50 Mcd/m2 white at 1 A forward current in 1times1 mm2 chip) that are suitable for application to automotive forward lighting. A prognosis for future LED performance levels is considered given further improvements in internal quantum efficiency, which to date lag achievements in light extraction efficiency for InGaN LEDs

Abstract: More than one-fifth of US electricity is used to power artificial lighting. Light-emitting diodes based on group III/nitride semiconductors are bringing about a revolution in energy-efficient lighting.

Abstract: Understanding the charge-separation mechanism in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) could facilitate optimization of their overall efficiency. Here we report the time dependence of the separation of photogenerated electron hole pairs across the donor-acceptor heterojunction in OPV model systems. By tracking the modulation of the optical absorption due to the electric field generated between the charges, we measure ~200 millielectron volts of electrostatic energy arising from electron-hole separation within 40 femtoseconds of excitation, corresponding to a charge separation distance of at least 4 nanometers. At this separation, the residual Coulomb attraction between charges is at or below thermal energies, so that electron and hole separate freely. This early time behavior is consistent with charge separation through access to delocalized π-electron states in ordered regions of the fullerene acceptor material.

Abstract: Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are competitive candidates for the next generation flat-panel displays and solid state lighting sources. Efficient blue-emitting materials have been one of the most important prerequisites to kick off the commercialization of OLEDs. This tutorial review focuses on the design of blue fluorescent emitters and their applications in OLEDs. At first, some typical blue fluorescent materials as dopants are briefly introduced. Then nondoped blue emitters of hydrocarbon compounds are presented. Finally, the nondoped blue emitters endowed with hole-, electron- and bipolar-transporting abilities are comprehensively reviewed. The key issues on suppressing close-packing, achieving pure blue chromaticity, improving thermal and morphological stabilities, manipulating charge transporting abilities, simplifying device structures and the applications in panchromatic OLEDs are discussed.