Amplified spontaneous emission from oligo(: P -phenylenevinylene) derivatives

For an improved understanding of molecular design for efficient laser materials, we report structure-property relationships in a series of oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) derivatives. The π-extended phenylenevinylene systems have been studied less frequently than the well-known 1,4-distyrylbenzene framework, despite easy syntheses and great prospects for optoelectronic devices. Here, light amplification behaviours, with amplified spontaneous emission thresholds as low as 7.2 μJ cm-2, were characterized for oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) crystals. Substitution with cyano groups significantly changes the crystal packing and emission properties, while also improves the lasing behaviour.