Dye-activated ORMOSILS for lasers and optical amplifiers

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Abstract
Solid state optical gain media based upon organic dyes are an attractive alternative to solvent based systems, however the poor thermal and photo-stability of these dyes in polymer hosts has limited their use to date. Organically modified silicates (ORMOSIL's) may offer a partial solution by providing a host matrix with superior qualities. Examples of some of these qualities are excellent optical clarity, low-temperature synthesis, high laser damage threshold, good mechanical strength, and excellent host/dye compatibility. We will report on progress at Lockheed and UCLA on the development of these materials for use as solid-state tunable lasers and amplifiers. Lasing and gain characteristics of common laser dyes (Rhodamine 6G and B) in terms of their optical conversion efficiency and lifetime will be discussed. Efficiencies as high as 39% and output energies > 10 mJ have been achieved from laser- pumped plate and rod ORMOSIL laser cavities.

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