Synthesis and processing of conducting polymer microlasers and microsize light emitting diodes

Conducting polymers show interesting optical and electrical properties, but have proven difficult to form into devices. We have synthesized improved poly-p-phenylene vinylene and its derivatives, and substituted polyacetylenes. From these polymers devices were fabricated in films and on fibers. The polymers show quantum efficiencies as high as 62%, with colors ranging from red to yellow green to blue green. The devices were built using typical silicon chip fabrication technology. Light emitting diodes and lasers have been fabricated as small as four microns: in diameter.