Strategies for Advancing Near-Infrared Organic Light-Emitting Diodes: Innovations in Luminescent Materials, Device Architectures, Fabrication Methods, and Applications

Abstract

This review focuses on recent advances in the efficient generation of near-infrared (NIR) light by organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Novel NIR-emissive materials–encompassing various modern upconversion mechanisms–are integrated with device design with an overview of various OLED fabrication techniques, emphasizing the importance of thermal stability and the role of inks and solvents in achieving uniform luminescent films. The impact of these factors on device fabrication, achievable wavelength range, and overall OLED output characteristics is discussed, as well as emerging applications of NIR emission in medicine and security. Further, ideas and (likely) overlooked factors for enhancing NIR-OLED performance are presented. By combining materials and engineering-based strategies, a broader perspective and valuable insights into the design of high-performance NIR-OLEDs are offered.