BROAD-BAND ELECTROLUMINESCENT EMISSION FROM FULLERENE CRYSTALS

The observation of electroluminescence from crystalline fullerenes is described and discussed for the first time. Using gold and aluminium e lectrodes as contacts, a broad band emission spectrum, extending from 400 nm to 1100 nm is observed. The spectrum has a primary maximum at 9 20 nm and a weaker feature centered on 420 nm. The spectral characteri stics are independent of the applied field and the longer wavelength r egion is identical to that measured in the high excitation density pho toluminescence spectrum. In addition, the electroluminescent output in tensity increases with the cube of the injection current, strengthenin g the association to the nonlinear phenomena observed in the highly ex cited state of fullerenes.