Photodegradation of poly(p - phenylenevinylene) by laser light at the peak wavelength of electroluminescence

Abstract

We report the photodegradation of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) polymer when the film was irradiated with laser light at a wavelength corresponding to the peak wavelength of electroluminescence. Degradation in photoluminescent properties was significant in an air environment but not under vacuum. This indicates that the oxygen in air aids photodegradation and this hypothesis was confirmed by optical spectroscopy. This degradation may be associated with long‐term stability of the electroluminescence device.