A relationship between conformation and photophysics of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2‘-ethylhexoxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MEH−PPV) in dilute solution was investigated by utilizing UV/vis absorption, excitation,
and emission spectroscopy. By tuning polymer−solvent interactions, a control of conjugation length which relates
to state of chain collapse is achieved. Position of absorption and emission spectra can be systematically moved
within 60 nm by using a series of alcohols and aromatic solvents as well as mixed solvents. In addition to a
decrease of conjugation length, the collapsed chain exhibit optical characteristics different from that of the extended
counterpart. While a single type of emitter is present in the extended chain, separate emission from multiple
emitters with various conjugation lengths is detected from the collapsed coils. Fluorescence decay measurements
support the presence of multiple emitters. Studies of UV/vis absorption and photoluminescence upon increasing
temperature detect a blue shift of transition energies and a decrease of absorption and emission efficiency. In
addition, rate of the shift is found to decrease with increasing magnitude of chain collapse.
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