Light emission from wavelength-tunable microcavities

We report a novel microcavity design that allows the control in wavelength of the resonant modes of a microcavity operating in the visible spectrum. We have been able to shift the modes by up to 56 nm. The device is comprised of a thin film of a fluorescent semiconducting polymer combined with an electrically switchable liquid crystal layer, which an sandwiched between the two cavity mirrors. This structure serves as a tool for further experimental studies of the properties of microcavities and also has considerable technological potential, providing, for example, an efficient wavelength converter or tunable light source. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.