Triplet-Triplet Annihilation Upconversion Solid Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) systems face limitations in efficiency, particularly in the solid state, where the concentration of acceptors is restricted to prevent quenching of photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY), and lack effective wavelength tuning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A novel TTA-UC system comprising a sensitizer, an acceptor with a lower triplet energy, and an emitter with a lower singlet energy, where the acceptor can serve as both the matrix and annihilator in the solid state, allowing for efficient triplet-triplet annihilation and energy transfer to the emitter for luminescent radiation emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the concentration of acceptors is increased to enhance upconversion efficiency, then the upconversion efficiency is improved, but the photoluminescent quantum yield is quenched

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupconversion efficiencyVSAvoidphotoluminescent quantum yield
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the acceptor population into two functional groups: annihilators (at high concentration for efficient TTA) and emitters (at low concentration for high PLQY). This segmentation allows each group to perform its optimal function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between upconversion efficiency and photoluminescent quantum yield.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct spatial or functional zones within the system. The annihilators are positioned or concentrated in regions where high local concentration is needed for TTA, while emitters are positioned or concentrated in regions where low concentration is needed to maintain high PLQY, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional TTA-UC systems use an inert polymer matrix to maintain solid-state structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and material requirements are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid-state structural stabilityVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the inert polymer matrix from the system by using the acceptor molecules themselves as the structural matrix. The acceptors form a stable solid-state structure through their own intermolecular interactions, removing the need for separate inert matrix materials and simplifying the overall system composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The acceptor molecules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as the structural matrix providing solid-state stability, as annihilators for triplet-triplet annihilation, and as energy transfer mediators to the emitters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated inert matrix materials, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves enhanced upconversion efficiency and tunable emission wavelengths, overcoming the limitations of conventional TTA-UC systems by maintaining high PLQY and functionality in solid-state films without the need for an inert polymer matrix.

Implementation Method 1

triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion of light incident on the formulation to emit a luminescent radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriplet energy transfer:

Implementation Method 2

energy transfer to the emitter for luminescent radiation emission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy transfer:

Implementation Method 3

The excited singlet state can undergo radiative decay, giving out a photon that is significantly higher in energy than the exciting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiative decay:

Implementation Method 4

emit a luminescent radiation comprising a radiation component from the first singlet energy of the emitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10950803B2Compounds and uses in devices
Publication Date: 2021.03.16 UNIVERSAL DISPLAY CORP
  • US10950803B2 patent drawing
  • US10950803B2 patent drawing
  • US10950803B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention discloses a novel multicomponent system or a single compound that is capable of performing triplet-triplet annihilation up conversion process. (TTA-UC) A solution or solid film that comprises this TTA-UC system or compound is provided. This system or compound can be used in an optical or optoelectronic device.