Broadband solid state optical amplifier based on a semiconducting polymer

Abstract
A compact, solid state optical amplifier based on the conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-( 2 ′ -ethylhexyloxy)- p -phenylene vinylene] has been demonstrated. The amplifier was optically pumped. Gratings were used to couple the signal into and out of the film. The transmitted signal was amplified over 100 times in a 1 mm long waveguide giving 21 dB gain at 630 nm . A gain of > 13 dB was observed at 615 and 650 nm giving a gain bandwidth of > 26 THz . The gain dynamics at pump densities below 5 μ J ∕ cm 2 are described by an exciton-exciton annihilation model. At higher pump intensities, amplified spontaneous emission and photoinduced losses become significant.