Light-Emitting Field-Effect Transistor Based on a Tetracene Thin Film

We report the first organic light-emitting field-effect transistor. The device structure comprises interdigitated gold source and drain electrodes on a Si/SiO₂ substrate. A polycrystalline tetracene thin film is vacuum sublimated on the substrate forming the active layer of the device. Both holes and electrons are injected from the gold contacts into this layer leading to electroluminescence from the tetracene. The output characteristics, transfer characteristics, and the optical emission properties of the device are reported. A possible mechanism for electron injection is suggested.