Optically written solid-state lasers with broadly tunable mode emission based on improved poly (2,5-dialkoxy-phenylene-vinylene)

We report an optical written distributed feedback (DFB) structure with broadly and continuously tunable mode emission (Deltalambda=30 nm) based on polycondensation-type poly[2methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] (MEH-PPV). In a Lloyd-mirror configuration we realize first-order feedback by dynamic photoinduced in-plane gratings, which can also be imprinted permanently. This technique is a versatile fabrication tool for polymeric DFB laser structures while also providing an efficient method to probe the lasing performance of organic solid-state laser materials. Furthermore, features of the photoinduced absorption spectra of improved MEH-PPV indicate favorable material properties towards further homopolymer solid-state laser applications. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.