Conjugated light-emitting polymers (LEPs) have real potential to serve as the active layer in a new generation of emissive displays. Emerging as lead candidates for first-generation displays are poly(1,4-phenylene vinylene)s (PPVs) and poly(9,9-dialkylfluorene)s, as well as other polyaromatic materials. The poly(fluorene)s are at present the most commercially developed of these LEP materials for red–green–blue (RGB) applications. The low power consumption of LEP devices in general makes them particularly suited to mobile applications. Combining solution-processable emissive polymers with direct-patterning methods such as ink-jet printing will lead to the possibility of low-cost, high-resolution displays. The synthesis and properties of PPVs and poly(9,9-dialkylfluorene)s are briefly reviewed in this article, with a major focus on recent developments.

The primary aim of this issue of MRS Bulletin is to present an overview of the deployment of optical-fiber sensors in a selected range of applications. The topics covered include a general introduction to optical fibers; a review of the sensing mechanisms that are available to monitor strain, temperature, pressure, chemical species, damage, and acoustic emission; and the use of optical-fiber sensors in medical applications. This introductory article presents a brief discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of optical-fiber sensors.