Tuning giant surface potential in OLEDs can improve efficiency and lifespan

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) power many display screens, but their efficiency can be limited by energy lost inside the device. As organic layers are deposited, their molecules can align to create an internal electrical potential known as giant surface potential (GSP). When this potential draws excess positive charges, or holes, near the light-emitting layer, they can interfere with light-producing excitons. This process, called exciton–polaron quenching, reduces emitted light and can affect device performance.