POLARIZED PHOTOLUMINESCENCE OF OLIGOTHIOPHENES IN NEMATIC LIQUID-CRYSTALLINE MATRICES

The macroscopic alignment of an extended conjugated oligomer by the si mple means of embedding it in a liquid crystalline matrix and utilizin g the properties of the host is demonstrated. That the orientation of the oligothiophene, in this case alpha-sexithiophenyl, can be dynamica lly switched with the host nematic lattice upon application of an elec tric field is observed by the switching of the polarized photoluminesc ence. This simple procedure for of orientation opens up new areas for detailed study of this class of materials.