Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/S58331/01
Title:	Time-resolved scanning near-field optical microscopy of device applicable polymer blends
Principal Investigator:	Lidzey, Professor D
Other Investigators:	Fox, Professor AM Jones, Professor R
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:	Dow Chemical Co. University of Cambridge
Department:	Physics and Astronomy
Organisation:	University of Sheffield
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 March 2004	Ends:	28 February 2007	Value (£):	304,858
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Chemicals Electronics
Related Grants:
Panel History:	Panel Date Panel Name Outcome 26 Jun 2003 Joint Photonics Prioritisation Panel (Tech) Jun 03 Deferred
Summary on Grant Application Form
We will develop a time-correlated single-photon counting, scanning near-field optical microscope (TCSPC SNOM). Our TCSPC SNOM system will allow us to characterise the fluorescence decay dynamics from a thin-film with a time resolution of 50 ps and a spatial resolution of 100 nm. The material systems that we will study are blends of conjugated polymers that have applications in thin-film devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaics (PVs). Our previous near and far-field spectroscopic measurements have demonstrated that such blends are highly structured over lengthscales of 10 nm to 10 gym, with such structure having a significant impact on their local electronic properties. We will use both the TCSPC SNOM and an atomic force microscope to correlate dynamic processes such as exciton-diffusion, exciton-quenching and exciplex-emission with the local nano- and micro-structure of the blend. Various techniques will be used to modify the structure of the blend, ranging from simple control over film-casting protocols to high-resolution patterning of the film substrate. Our aim is to provide information on a number of fundamental physical processes that are important in the operation of polymer blend LEDs and PVs. We plan to use the results of such studies in the direct optimisation of organic optoelectronic devices.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.shef.ac.uk