Epoxy matrix for solid-state dye laser applications

The preparation and performance of an epoxy-based matrix impregnated with Pyrromethene 580 for solid-state dye laser applications are discussed. The matrix proved to he stable and efficient as a laser medium when pumped by a frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a 10-ns pulse width. Stability measurements were performed on a l-mm-thick epoxy sample, doped with Pyrromethene 580 at a concentration of 4 x 10(-3) M. When the sample was pumped at millijoule energy levels, the stability was measured to be similar to 55,000 pulses from a single spot on the sample before the power dropped by a factor of half. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America.