Single-mode laser tuning from cholesteric elastomers using a "notch" band-gap configuration

Opt Express. 2010 Jan 18;18(2):575-81. doi: 10.1364/OE.18.000575.

Abstract

The interest in the application of cholesteric liquid crystals for tunable lasers has risen in the past few years. Here, we want to obtain a mechanically tunable laser device using cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) elastomers as resonant cavity mirrors in a three-layer configuration, which includes in between an isotropic layer incorporating a laser dye as active medium. The transmission band-gap of the two CLC elastomers was shifted one with respect to the other in order to create a defect ("notch") in the middle of the band-gap which allowed a single-mode lasing from the system. The wavelength of the laser could be changed by mechanical tuning of the rubbery device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Elastomers / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Isomerism
  • Lasers*
  • Liquid Crystals / chemistry*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Elastomers