The quantum efficiency of fluorescent light emitting diodes is limited by t
he occurrence of non-radiative decay of triplet states. It is therefore imp
ortant to improve the understanding of the first excited triplet state, its
lifetime, and its population and depopulation mechanisms. The variation of
the characteristics of this triplet state with chemical structure are exam
ined for a series of conjugated polymers with the aim of improving the perf
ormance of organic LEDs.