| Abstract: | The laser properties of 19 dyes commonly used as fluorescent brightening agents (FBA) have been studied. A nitrogen laser served as the pumping source. The absorption spectra and the relationship between laser power and wavelength was determined for these dyes. Since several of these compounds have an efficiency comparable to that of the POPOP scintillator commonly used in this part of the spectrum, and since they are easily soluble in alcohols and furthermore, are very inexpensive, they may be competitive with other dyes hitherto used in the violet-blue region. |
