CAREER: Research and Education in Development of Organic Spintronics Based on Spin Injection and Modification of Spin-Orbital Coupling in Magnetic Organic Light-Emitting Diodes

University Of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville TN

Investigators

Abstract

This career proposal focuses on the research and education in the development of organic spintronics based on spin injection and modification of spin-orbital coupling in magnetic organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The goal of this career project is to develop a novel approach to control the excited state processes and charge transport in organic semiconductor devices by using magnetic field. Intellectual Merit: The integrated research will address two critical challenges: spin-polarized charge injection and modification of spin-orbital coupling in magnetic OLEDs by using nano-dot ferromagnetic electrodes and soluble organic materials mixing. Spin-polarized charge injection and modification of spin-orbital coupling will be used to control magnetic field-dependent charge transport and spin-dependent exciton dynamic processes. The investigations will focus on three critically important fundamental issues: spin transport across nanoscale ferromagnetic/organic heterojunction, spin-orbital-coupling dependent magnetoresistance, and cooperative interaction of spin injection-generated excitons based on magnetic organic OLEDs for the development of organic spintronics. Broader Impact: The proposed career project has two broader impacts on research and education. The research impact includes the development of new approach to control excited state processes and charge transport by using both spin injection from nano-dot ferromagnetic electrodes and modification of spin-orbital coupling from organic materials mixing. The proposed studies will increase the critical understanding of spin transport and spin-dependent excitonic processes in organic semiconductor devices. The new understanding will largely contribute to the development of magnetic organic light-emitting, magnetic lasing, and magnetic photovoltaic devices in the applications of national defense and energy technologies. The educational impact includes the curriculum development, student mentoring, minority and women involvement, and outreach activities to high school students in the education of engineering disciplines with concentration in magnetic organic semiconductor devices through using the PI's experience and project-specific interaction with existing College of Engineering diversity and outreach programs at the University of Tennessee.