Multiphasic Nanostructured Composite:  Multi-Dye Tunable Solid State Laser

Abstract

In this paper we present a new concept to control the energy transfer between two components using novel multiphasic nanostructured composites. The example studied here consists of two lasing dyes amino)phenylstyryl]-N-(hydroxyethyl)pyridinium iodide (ASPI)), each of which resides in two different phases of a multiphasic composite. The energy transfer between these two phases was studied and found to be insignificant. Therefore, this composite exhibited lasing from both dyes. The multiphasic matrix was tunable through the range of both dyes from 560 to 610 nm with an efficiency of ∼7%. The lasing properties of this lasing media were studied compared to reference dye solutions. In the solution state a mixture dye solution exhibited complete quenching of one of the dyes (Rhodamine-6G). The quenching mechanism in the solution state and its lack in the solid state matrix is proposed. In addition, the new laser dye, ASPI, has been characterized by its linear spectroscopy and lasing properties in solution. The results of this characterization reveal a dye with a low fluorescence quantum yield (∼7 × 10 -3 ), but high lasing efficiency (∼13.5%) under pulsed pumping conditions. An intersystem crossing from the S 1 to T 1 state may be responsible for this phenomenon.

Novel, Organically Doped, Sol-Gel-Derived Materials for Photonics: Multiphasic Nanostructured Composite Monoliths and Optical Fibers

“…Using this method, it is possible to dope two (or more) different optically responsive materials, each of which will be in different phases of the matrix (silica phase, PMMA phase or interfacial phase), to make multifunctional bulk materials for photonics. [24][25][26] The concept of a multiphasic nanostructured composite will be discussed in more detail in the next section.…”

“…An advanced approach is to form multiphasic nanostructured composites. [24][25][26] By a multistep impregnation method, one can dope two (or more) different optically responsive materials, each of which resides in different phases of the matrix (the silica phase, the organic polymer phase and the interfacial phase). For example, in the silica phase, any species that can survive the thermal treatment can be doped.…”

“…In the polymer phase, one can dope laser dyes and (3) organic chromophores. 26,43 The basic design of the multiphasic nanostructured composite is explained by Fig. 1.…”

“…We demonstrated the usefulness of a multiphasic composite through the fabrication of two specific devices: a multidye solid-state tunable laser 26 and a multiphasic optical power limiter. 24,25 The multidye solid-state tunable laser consisted of a new laser dye, an aminostyrylpyridinium derivative (ASPD) [44][45][46] which resides in the interfacial phase, and Rhodamine-6G (R6G) which resides in the polymer phase.…”

“…In this report, two sol-gel-processed approaches which have shown promising results in producing useful materials for photonics are reviewed: (1) multiphasic nanostructured composites, which combine the merits of inorganic glass and an organic polymer; [24][25][26] and (2) optical fibers with active molecules incorporated within the fiber matrix, dispersed homogeneously, for sensing or lasing applications. 27,28 For both approaches, the preparation process and selected applications based on past and current results obtained primarily in our own laboratory are described.…”