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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 16, Iss. 12 — Jun. 9, 2008
  • pp: 8557–8569

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 16 > Issue 12 > Page 8557

Reversible switching of quantum cascade laser-modes using a pH-responsive polymeric cladding as transducer

Bernhard Basnar, Stephan Schartner, Maximilian Austerer, Aaron Maxwell Andrews, Tomas Roch, Werner Schrenk, and Gottfried Strasser  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 16, Issue 12, pp. 8557-8569 (2008)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.16.008557


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Abstract

We present a novel approach for the reversible switching of the emission wavelength of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) using a halochromic cladding. An air-waveguide laser ridge is coated with a thin layer of polyacrylic acid. This cladding introduces losses corresponding to the absorption spectrum of the polymer. By changing the state of the polymer, the absorption spectrum and losses change, inducing a shift of 7 cm-1 in the emission wavelength. This change is induced by exposure to acidic or alkaline vapors under ambient conditions and is fully reversible. Such lasers can be used as multi-color light source and as sensor for atmospheric pH.

© 2008 Optical Society of America

OCIS Codes
(160.5470) Materials : Polymers
(300.6340) Spectroscopy : Spectroscopy, infrared
(310.3915) Thin films : Metallic, opaque, and absorbing coatings
(310.4925) Thin films : Other properties (stress, chemical, etc.)
(140.5965) Lasers and laser optics : Semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade

ToC Category:
Lasers and Laser Optics

History
Original Manuscript: May 1, 2008
Revised Manuscript: May 21, 2008
Manuscript Accepted: May 21, 2008
Published: May 27, 2008

Citation
Bernhard Basnar, Stephan Schartner, Maximilian Austerer, Aaron Maxwell Andrews, Tomas Roch, Werner Schrenk, and Gottfried Strasser, "Reversible switching of quantum cascade laser-modes using a pH-responsive polymeric cladding as transducer," Opt. Express 16, 8557-8569 (2008)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-16-12-8557


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