Structural Influences on Conjugated Polymer Optoelectronic Properties

This paper will focus on understanding the influence that structure has on the optoelectronic properties of device relevant conjugated polymer thin films. In particular, information will be provided on the development and utilization of spectroscopic probes to monitor changes in electronic properties for polyfluorene films and devices. Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) [PFO] and its copolymer derivatives provide a suitable test bed for such studies: PFO is especially instructive as it possesses a wide variety of morphologies amongst which a thin film can be readily transformed. Optical measurements using absorption, ellipsometry, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies will be reported that probe phase transition temperatures, optical constants and their anisotropies (birefringence), and the influence of degradation and microscopic environment on the emission characteristics of thin films. In addition, device-related studies concerning charge transport and optical gain will also be reported.