Hoi Sing Kwok

Bio: Hoi Sing Kwok is an academic researcher from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Liquid crystal & Thin-film transistor. The author has an hindex of 77, co-authored 1165 publications receiving 29448 citations. Previous affiliations of Hoi Sing Kwok include University of Hong Kong & University of California, Berkeley.

Changing the behavior of chromophores from aggregation-caused quenching to aggregation-induced emission: development of highly efficient light emitters in the solid state.

Abstract: The development of efficient luminescent materials in the solid state is of both scientific and technological interest. An obstacle to their development is the notorious aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect: the emission of conventional luminophores is often weakened in the solid state in comparison to in solution, due to aggregate formation in the condensed phase. [1‐3] The ACQ problem must be properly tackled, because the luminophores are commonly used as solid films in their practical applications. Various chemical, physical, and engineering approaches have been taken to frustrate luminophore aggregation. [4,5] The attachment of bulky alicyclics, encapsulation by amphiphilic surfactants, and blending with transparent polymers are widely used methods to impede aggregate formation. These processes, however, are often accompanied by severe side effects. The steric effects of bulky alicyclics, for example, can twist the conformations of the chromophoric units and jeopardize the electronic conjugation in the luminophores, and the electronic effects of the saturated surfactants and nonconjugated polymers can dilute the luminophore density and obstruct the charge transport in electroluminescence (EL) devices. The current approaches to the problem are thus far from ideal, because the ACQ effect is alleviated at the expense of other useful properties of the luminophores. A win‐win strategy would be the elimination of the ACQ effect without sacrificing other functional properties of the luminophores. In the work reported here, we have developed such a new approach. Triphenylamine (TPA) and its derivatives are luminescent when dissolved in good solvents [6] for them but become less emissive when aggregated in the solid state, and are therefore typical ACQ luminophores. [7] For

Blueshift of optical band gap in ZnO thin films grown by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition

Abstract: The optical band gap of ZnO thin films deposited on fused quartz by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition was studied. The optical band gap of as-grown ZnO blueshifted from 3.13to4.06eV as the growth temperature decreased from 500to200°C. After annealing, the optical band gap shifted back to the single-crystal value. All the ZnO thin films studied show strong band-edge photoluminescence. X-ray diffraction measurements showed that samples deposited at low temperatures (<450°C) consisted of amorphous and crystalline phases. The redshift of the optical band gap back to the original position after annealing was strong evidence that the blueshift was due to an amorphous phase. The unshifted photoluminescence spectra indicated that the luminescence was due to the crystalline phase of ZnO, which was in the form of nanocrystals embedded in the amorphous phase.

Optical properties of epitaxially grown zinc oxide films on sapphire by pulsed laser deposition

Abstract: ZnO thin films were epitaxially grown on c-sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition at substrate temperatures of 500–800 °C. The crystal structure of ZnO films follow the epitaxial relationship of (0001)ZnO∥(0001)Al2O3(1010)ZnO∥(1120)Al2O3. Both room temperature and cryogenic temperature photoluminescence showed a remarkable band-edge transition, and clear excitonic structures could be seen at cryogenic temperature. The optical refractive index was measured in the range of 375–900 nm by varying angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. The simulation was carried out using a Sellmeier equation.

Aggregation-induced emissions of tetraphenylethene derivatives and their utilities as chemical vapor sensors and in organic light-emitting diodes

Abstract: Nonemissive tetraphenylethene (TPE) 1 and its diphenylated derivative 2 were induced to emit intensely by aggregate formation. Crystalline aggregates of the dyes emitted bluer lights than their amorphous counterparts. The emissions of the TPE dyes could be switched off and on continuously and reversibly by wetting and dewetting with solvent vapors, respectively, manifesting their ability to optically sense volatile organic compounds. The light-emitting diodes fabricated from 1 and 2 were turned on at ∼2.9 and ∼5V and emitted blue lights with maximum luminance of ∼1800 and ∼11000cd∕m2, respectively.

Aggregation-Induced Emission: Together We Shine, United We Soar!

Abstract: Ju Mei,†,‡,∥ Nelson L. C. Leung,†,‡,∥ Ryan T. K. Kwok,†,‡ Jacky W. Y. Lam,†,‡ and Ben Zhong Tang*,†,‡,§ †HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518057, China ‡Department of Chemistry, HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study, Institute of Molecular Functional Materials, Division of Biomedical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China Guangdong Innovative Research Team, SCUT-HKUST Joint Research Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China

Aggregation-induced emission

Abstract: Luminogenic materials with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) attributes have attracted much interest since the debut of the AIE concept in 2001. In this critical review, recent progress in the area of AIE research is summarized. Typical examples of AIE systems are discussed, from which their structure–property relationships are derived. Through mechanistic decipherment of the photophysical processes, structural design strategies for generating new AIE luminogens are developed. Technological, especially optoelectronic and biological, applications of the AIE systems are exemplified to illustrate how the novel AIE effect can be utilized for high-tech innovations (183 references).

Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers for Organic Solar Cell Applications

Abstract: -phenylenevinylene)s L4. Fluorene-Based Conjugated Polymers L4.1. Fluorene-Based Copolymers ContainingElectron-Rich MoietiesM4.2. Fluorene-Based Copolymers ContainingElectron-Deficient MoietiesN4.3. Fluorene-Based Copolymers ContainingPhosphorescent ComplexesQ5. Carbazole-Based Conjugated Polymers R5.1. Poly(2,7-carbazole)-Based Polymers R5.2. Indolo[3,2-

Stochastic Processes in Physics and Chemistry

Abstract: N G van Kampen 1981 Amsterdam: North-Holland xiv + 419 pp price Dfl 180 This is a book which, at a lower price, could be expected to become an essential part of the library of every physical scientist concerned with problems involving fluctuations and stochastic processes, as well as those who just enjoy a beautifully written book. It provides an extensive graduate-level introduction which is clear, cautious, interesting and readable.