Broadband solid state optical amplifier based on a semiconducting polymer

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 1mm long waveguide giving 21dB gain at 630nm. A gain of >13dB was observed at 615 and 650nm giving a gain bandwidth of >26THz. The gain dynamics at pump densities below 5μJ∕cm2 are described by an exciton-exciton annihilation model. At higher pump intensities, amplified spontaneous emission and photoinduced losses become significant.

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