Interference effects in anisotropic optoelectronic devices

In this article, we develop a model which calculates the effects of optical interference in polymer devices. In this model, we include the effects of optical birefringence in the layers making up the devices, as well as the variation of quantum efficiency across the active layer. We also extend the plane wave emission modification to relate to the emission power measured outside the device. Experimental measurements of photoluminescence emission from poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) devices were obtained. Comparison between the experimental and calculated angular distribution of emission is made, and good agreement is found. This illustrates that the model is sufficient and that optical birefringence must be taken into account. Electroluminescence emission from poly(p-phenylene vinylene) PPV devices was also measured. By comparing with the calculated spectra from our model, we demonstrate that the model can be used as a tool to locate the position of the recombination zones in electroluminescent devices. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)04805-2].