Analytical model for photoluminescence quenching via Forster resonant energy transfer in a conjugated polymer doped by energy acceptors

An analytical model of quenching of steady-state photoluminescence (PL) via Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) in blends of a conjugated polymer and low-molecular energy acceptors is presented. The normalized PL intensity as an analytical function of acceptor concentration is obtained in the case of homogeneous polymer-acceptor blend. This function has only two parameters depending on the Forster radii of energy transfer between the polymer conjugated segments (intrapolymer) and between a conjugated segment and an energy acceptor. The intrapolymer exciton migration can enhance PL quenching up to 60% as derived as an asymptote of the model. The model excellently fits the experimental data on quenching of soluble polyphenylenevinylene PL in blends with trinitrofluorenone.