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Anomalously bright single-molecule upconversion electroluminescence

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Luo

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Fan-Fang Kong

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xiao-Jun Tian

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yun-Jie Yu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Shi-Hao Jing

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Chao Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Gong Chen

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yang Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yao Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Xiao-Guang Li

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Zhen-Yu Zhang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Zhen-Chao Dong

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Science and Technology of China)

Abstract

Efficient upconversion electroluminescence is highly desirable for a broad range of optoelectronic applications, yet to date, it has been reported only for ensemble systems, while the upconversion electroluminescence efficiency remains very low for single-molecule emitters. Here we report on the observation of anomalously bright single-molecule upconversion electroluminescence, with emission efficiencies improved by more than one order of magnitude over previous studies, and even stronger than normal-bias electroluminescence. Intuitively, the improvement is achieved via engineering the energy-level alignments at the molecule−substrate interface so as to activate an efficient spin-triplet mediated upconversion electroluminescence mechanism that only involves pure carrier injection steps. We further validate the intuitive picture with the construction of delicate electroluminescence diagrams for the excitation of single-molecule electroluminescence, allowing to readily identify the prerequisite conditions for producing efficient upconversion electroluminescence. These findings provide deep insights into the microscopic mechanism of single-molecule upconversion electroluminescence and organic electroluminescence in general.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Luo & Fan-Fang Kong & Xiao-Jun Tian & Yun-Jie Yu & Shi-Hao Jing & Chao Zhang & Gong Chen & Yang Zhang & Yao Zhang & Xiao-Guang Li & Zhen-Yu Zhang & Zhen-Chao Dong, 2024. "Anomalously bright single-molecule upconversion electroluminescence," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-45450-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45450-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li Zhang & Yun-Jie Yu & Liu-Guo Chen & Yang Luo & Ben Yang & Fan-Fang Kong & Gong Chen & Yang Zhang & Qiang Zhang & Yi Luo & Jin-Long Yang & Zhen-Chao Dong & J. G. Hou, 2017. "Electrically driven single-photon emission from an isolated single molecule," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
    2. Yao Zhang & Qiu-Shi Meng & Li Zhang & Yang Luo & Yun-Jie Yu & Ben Yang & Yang Zhang & Ruben Esteban & Javier Aizpurua & Yi Luo & Jin-Long Yang & Zhen-Chao Dong & J G Hou, 2017. "Sub-nanometre control of the coherent interaction between a single molecule and a plasmonic nanocavity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, August.
    3. Qiang Su & Shuming Chen, 2022. "Thermal assisted up-conversion electroluminescence in quantum dot light emitting diodes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
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