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The development of organic LED technology has dramatically increased the size of TVs and reduced their cost. A group of Japanese scientists was able to discover a new way to create polymers in the right configuration.
Scientists from Tsukuba University in Japan have developed a method for synthesizing conjugated polymers in a helical configuration. Using twisted liquid crystals as a starting point, they obtained polymers capable of converting linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light.
How does this work?
These carbon-based conjugated polymers conduct electricity and have a color that can be changed by chemical doping with other molecules. Their oxidation state can also be quickly switched by electrical voltage, which affects the chromaticity. However, further progress in the field of OLED requires the emergence of new materials with new properties, such as circular polarization.
Scientists have presented a method of creating polymers of a spiral configuration based on a tread liquid crystal.
Polymers that have both optical activity and luminescent function can emit circularly polarized light. To do this, the liquid crystal molecules are first in a direct configuration. The addition of monomer molecules causes the liquid crystals to twist into a spiral. This gives the structure the property of chirality, orienting it either clockwise or counterclockwise, – Professor Hiromasa Goto explained.
After the supply of electric current, the polymerization process of monomers is started. The liquid crystal pattern is removed, and the polymer solidifies like a spiral. By breaking the mirror symmetry, it gains the ability to convert polarized light into a circle. Circles in the polymer not only promote electrical conductivity, but also help to stabilize the spiral structure.
Tests of the obtained polymer showed its high optical activity at visible wavelengths. Further use of this technology may lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient electronic displays.
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