Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Although still in its infancy, the Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLEDs) technology has rapidly attracted interest because of its unique potential for the flat panel display industry. From their ability to produce sharper images with brighter and more vivid colors to their unique potential to make mechanically flexible displays a reality, OLEDs have several key advantages over other technologies (e.g. liquid crystal displays and plasma displays). However, the relatively poor device stability, which causes a continuous decrease in device brightness during operation, continues to be a major challenge that prevents wider technology commercialization. Developing more stable OLEDs is essential for expanding their applications, and for reaping the unique advantages that the new technology has to offer. At the University of Waterloo, we are launching a research program that aims at addressing the limited stability issue of OLEDs and realizing the next generation of high-stability devices. A unique and fundamental component of our research strategy is to uncover the root causes behind device failure so that the most effective solutions can be assigned and efficiently utilized. In this proposal, components for constructing an integrated setup for testing the optical and optoelectronic properties of OLEDs are requested. The system provides a unique set of testing capabilities [light spectral distribution, radiant power and efficiency measurements, delayed electroluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence] that will be used to study the light emission properties of OLEDs made of various materials and configurations in order to investigate and understand the root causes of device failure, and to enable the development of more stable devices. The work is foundational to the future development of the next generation of OLEDs, and is pursued in collaboration with leading Canadian industry partners. In addition to providing those industrial partners with a competitive edge, the research will also provide training to Canadian students to acquire expertise in a novel technology that has a strong potential to have a big share in the multi-billion $/year flat panel display industry.