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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 20, Iss. 14 — Jul. 2, 2012
  • pp: 15580–15588

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 20 > Issue 14 > Page 15580

Folding flexible co-extruded all-polymer multilayer distributed feedback films to control lasing

James H. Andrews, Michael Crescimanno, Nathan J. Dawson, Guilin Mao, Joshua B. Petrus, Kenneth D. Singer, Eric Baer, and Hyunmin Song  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 20, Issue 14, pp. 15580-15588 (2012)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.20.015580


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Abstract

We report on improved gain and spectral control in co-extruded all-polymer multilayer distributed feedback (DFB) lasers achieved by folding and deliberate modification of the center “defect” layer. Because DFB laser gain is greater at spectral defects inside the reflection band than at the band edges, manipulation of structural defects can be used to alter spectral defects and thereby tune the output wavelength and improve laser efficiency. By experimentally terracing the layer that becomes the center of the fold, we tuned the lasing wavelength across the reflection stop-band (∼25 nm) in controllable, discrete steps. The increased density of states associated with the defect resulted in a lower lasing threshold and, typically, a 3- to 6-fold increase in lasing efficiency over non-folded samples.

© 2012 OSA

OCIS Codes
(140.2050) Lasers and laser optics : Dye lasers
(160.5470) Materials : Polymers
(140.3945) Lasers and laser optics : Microcavities
(160.5293) Materials : Photonic bandgap materials

ToC Category:
Lasers and Laser Optics

History
Original Manuscript: April 20, 2012
Revised Manuscript: June 7, 2012
Manuscript Accepted: June 7, 2012
Published: June 26, 2012

Citation
James H. Andrews, Michael Crescimanno, Nathan J. Dawson, Guilin Mao, Joshua B. Petrus, Kenneth D. Singer, Eric Baer, and Hyunmin Song, "Folding flexible co-extruded all-polymer multilayer distributed feedback films to control lasing," Opt. Express 20, 15580-15588 (2012)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-20-14-15580


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