New 'radical' approach may lead to brighter LEDs

Semiconducting molecules with unpaired electrons, termed 'radicals', can be used to develop very efficient organic-light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), scientists say.

The new approach, described in the journal Nature, exploits the quantum mechanical 'spin' property to overcome efficiency limitations for traditional, non-radical materials.

Radicals are usually noted for their high chemical reactivity and often detrimental effects, from human health to the ozone layer.

Now radical-based OLEDs could form the basis for next-generation displays and lighting technologies.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK and Jilin University in China found that stabilised radicals form electronic states known as 'doublets', on account of the spin character being either 'up' or 'down.'