Transient response of a bilayer organic light emitting diode: Building-up of external and recombination currents

Using a theoretical model of a bilayer organic light emitting diode, we calculate numerically the evolution of carrier densities and electric fields inside the device. The obtained results allow us to detail injection and accumulation of carriers during transient excitation. Charge densities as a function of applied voltage present two distinct thresholds which determine three operating ranges: no injection, unipolar injection, and bipolar injection. Dynamically these thresholds depend on the rise time of the applied voltage and have a clear signature in the current densities. We show that the electroluminescence threshold has static and dynamic values which may be different. Calculated external current in response to a voltage ramp presents two steps related to the evolution of the capacity of the device. This capacitive behavior is observed experimentally. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.