Fluorene-based chromophore for degradation-recoverable solid-state dye laser

Abstract

We developed a new fluorene-based chromophore for a degradation-recoverable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) dye laser. The chromophore has dimethylsiloxane chains to enhance its solubility in the PDMS matrix. The spectroscopic and mobile characteristics were evaluated, and the attaching of the siloxane/silyl chains improved solubility in PDMS without influencing the laser property. It extended the durability by a factor of 20 for shots in an index-type Bragg grating/PDMS complex laser waveguide compared with a similar fluorene-based chromophore in PMMA laser waveguides. This molecular diffusion not only increased durability but also provided detailed information about dye degradation in waveguides.