Open AccessRandom laser action in organic film during the photopolymerization process
Author(s) -
S. Klein,
O. Cregut,
D. Gindre,
A. Boeglin,
K.D. Dorkenoo
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.13.005387
Subject(s) - photopolymer , materials science , laser , optics , random laser , refractive index , amplified spontaneous emission , photon counting , optoelectronics , light intensity , polymerization , photon , polymer , physics , lasing threshold , composite material
We report on transient laser action during the photopolymerization process in organic thin films of acrylate monomers doped with a laser dye. The emission spectrum was monitored over a period of time in the direction orthogonal to the incident laser beam which is kept at a constant intensity during the experiments. The emission spectra display the signature of laser action after a certain amount of polymerization. We have also recorded the intensity of fluorescence as well as of the amplified stimulated emission (ASE) using a photodiode. Our results confirmed that all the emission is guided by an increase of the refractive index resulting from the photopolymerization process. The spatial fluctuations in the density of the material are thought to act as micro-cavities leading to a random laser effect.