Highly-efficient broadband waveguide outcoupling in light-emitting diodes with self-organized polymer blends

Self-organized, two-dimensional micron-scale photonic structures have been fabricated within the emissive layer of polymer blend light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The relief-and-phase grating is achieved by phase separation of two semiconducting polymers directed by a surface chemical pattern. Short-wavelength oscillations are found pinned (and are thus phase-locked) to the domain boundaries. These high-frequency harmonics mimic short-period gratings in providing efficient waveguide outcoupling but without spectral dispersion. This provides a general way to harness the waveguide modes trapped in polymer LEDs, doubling their external quantum and power efficiencies while maintaining spectral integrity with viewing angle.