Organically Modified Silicates as a Solid Host for Organic Laser Dyes

The proposed Phase I work will constitute a study of prospective organic dye host materials, fabrication techniques, AR/HR/PR (Anti-Reflection/High Reflection/Partial Reflection) optical coatings (specific to the selected host material), and factors which are relevant to optical pumping with flashlamps or equivalent sources. Special emphasis will be placed upon organically modified silicates (ORMOSIL's). Because of our current expertise in the field we believe Analatom occupies a leadership position in the development of ORMOSIL's for solid state dye lasers, we are especially well qualified to pursue this line of research/development at the present time. The principal investigator for this project has been intimately involved in solid state dye laser development for the past two years. Our goal for the proposed work will be to extend the present dye lifetimes in a solid state ORMOSIL, or other as yet unidentified host, by an order of magnitude or more over current lifetimes while maximizing optical conversion efficiency. We have evidence to indicate that the stated goals are very realistic ones and should be readily achieved during the coourse of the contract.