Application of polymer light-emitting materials in light-emitting diodes, backlights and displays

Functional polymers are increasingly being used in the electronics industry. The advantages are ease of processing, tailor-made materials and unique properties. The technology used is spin-coating of PPV derivatives which are made soluble by side chains attached to the polymer. The polymer light-emitting diode build-up is discussed as well as some typical results for brightness, efficiency and stability. On this basis, extension to application areas where larger flat devices are required, is considered. Of most direct importance are LCD backlights and displays based on the light-emitting polymer itself. Upon comparison with existing technologies, light-emitting polymers turn out to yield most promising solutions.