Single-mode picosecond blue laser emission from a solid conjugated polymer

Abstract
We demonstrate single-mode laser emission at 490 nm from a stable cavity based on a methyl-substituted poly-(para-phenylene)-type ladder polymer. The laser emission is characterized by a well-defined excitation fluence threshold, a high directionality, and a drastic spectral narrowing. The laser generates picosecond pulses of excellent amplitude stability.