INFRARED DIODE LASER PUMPED INTEGRATED VISIBLE DYE-DOPED POLYMER WAVEGUIDE LASERS

Several dye-doped polymer waveguides are selected based on a new integrated infrared to visible upconversion scheme. Visible upconversion particularly at blue, green and red wavelengths will be searched in these materials. Thin films of these materials will be spin coated and a simple laser polymerization process will be used to fabricate waveguides with low linear optical loss. Nonlinear optical characterization of these materials will be done from infrared two-photon absorption coefficient, crossection and upconversion yield measurements. These materials will be evaluated and compared for visible upconversion applications with the help of a new figure of merit. Stimulated emission in the visible wavelengths will be demonstrated in these waveguides in the form of amplified spontaneous emission.