Solvent effects on the electrical and optical properties of composite carbon nanotube/MEH-PPV films

Optical signals were used to modulate the resistance of single-walled carbon nanotube–polymer composite films for development of optical switching devices. Films were fabricated from nanotubes dispersed in poly(2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) solutions in either tetrahydrofuran (THF) or toluene. MEH-PPV was affected by the solvent choice, with THF causing an absorbance shift to shorter wavelengths. Composite films formed from THF dispersions showed 1–4% resistance decreases when illuminated with a green diode laser. Illumination of toluene-based films showed up to 5.4% resistance decreases, smaller than expected based on the polymer solution absorbance. Fluorescent emission from the polymer in toluene appears to inhibit charge transfer from the polymer to the nanotubes. THF films were unaffected by illumination with a red diode laser, while toluene dispersion films showed resistance decreases up to 1%. Nanotube dispersion and film formation reproducibility, evaluated for both the solvents, showed that the solvent affected film resistance and dispersion stability.     

Linearly-polarized Tm-doped double-clad fiber laser

We report a linearly polarized Tm doped fiber laser. The fiber laser was set up by using a piece of polarization maintaining Tm doped double clad fiber of 5 m length as gain medium and a polarization beam splitter as a polarization selector. The fiber laser was pumped by a fiber pigtailed laser diode working at 790 nm with a maximum output power of 90 W. The linearly polarized Tm laser operated at wavelength around 2030 nm. A maximum output power up to 21.9 W was achieved when the pump power was 63.27 W with a threshold of 11.92 W, a slope efficiency of about 43.7%, and a polarization extinction ratio of 92.7% (11.37 dB). In addition to the blue fluorescence, we also observed the violet fluorescence under high pump power level. The up-conversion fluorescence was considered to be attributed to the ¹ G ₄ → ³ H ₆, and ¹ D ₂ → ³ F ₄ transitions of Tm ions, respectively.     

Amplified spontaneous emission from internal energy transfer process in the copolymer BEHP-co-MEH-PPV

We have studied the Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) characteristics of the conjugated copolymer poly{[2-[2′,5′-bis(2″-ethylhexyloxy)phenyl]-1,4-phenylenevinylene]-co-[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]} (BEHP-co-MEH-PPV) in a few organic solutions under optical pumping by the third harmonic of Nd:YAG (355 nm). The results show that in BEHP-co-MEH-PPV, the BEHP-PPV component is capable of forcing MEH-PPV to produce ASE at 560 nm, which appears to arise out of the non-excimeric state of MEH-PPV.The ASE of BEHP-co-MEH-PPV was also compared with the conventional laser dyes Rhodamine B (Rh B), Rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G), and also the new laser material MEH-PPV.     

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence from MEH-PPV and MEH-OPPV containing oxadiazole in the main chain

We report the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) behavior of two poly (p-phenylene-vinylene) derivatives with different backbones, a homopolymer poly-[2-methoxy-5-(2^′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene] (MEH-PPV) and a copolymer poly-{[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene]-alt-[2,5-diphenylene-1,3,4-oxadiazole-vinylene]} (MEH-OPPV). The PL peak positions of the MEH-PPV in both solid solution and film are blue shifted with increasing measurement temperature because the thermally induced torsion and libration modes reduce the conjugation lengths of the polymer, but the shift rate is smaller in the MEH-PPV film than that in the solid solution. The PL peak position of the MEH-OPPV film is independent of measurement temperature because there is a large dihedral angle between the adjacent monomer units. The large dihedral angle increases the conformational disorder to eliminate the effect of the disorder induced by the thermally induced torsion and libration modes on the conjugation lengths of the MEH-OPPV. PACS 73.61.Ph; 78.55.Kz     

CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>OH optically pumped by a <Superscript>13</Superscript>CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> laser: new laser lines and assignments

We report 12 new THz (far-infrared) laser lines from methanol (CH₃OH), ranging from 58.1 μm (5.2 THz) to 624.6 μm (0.5 THz). A ¹³CO₂ laser of wide tunability (110 MHz) has been used for optical pumping, allowing access to previously unexplored spectral regions. Optoacoustic absorption spectra were used as a guide to search for new THz laser lines, which have been characterized in wavelength, polarization, offset, relative intensity, and optimum operation pressure. For 20 laser lines previously observed, we have measured the absorption offset with respect to the ¹³CO₂ laser line center. PACS 33.20.Ea; 33.20.Vq; 33.80.-b     

Broadband optical limiting performance of polymer-wrapped carbon nanotubes in the orange-NIR region

Soluble multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been obtained by noncovalent modification with poly [2-methoxy,5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV). For the composite MWNT/MEH-PPV, there is π-π interaction between the MEH-PPV and MWNTs in addition to the wrapping of the polymer. The nonlinear optical transmittance was measured using a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator pumped with a Nd:YAG system. Excellent optical limiting performance of the composite MWNT/MEH-PPV was observed both in the visible region of 590-680 nm and at the wavelength of 1064 nm. By means of time-correlated single-photon counting fluorescence measurement, an explanation based on the nonlinear absorption of MWNT dominated by the intermolecular energy transfer was proposed.     

Laser properties of a conjugate polymer (MEH-PPV) in the liquid-excimeric state

We have studied the amplified spontaneous-emission characteristics (ASE) of conjugated poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)1,4-phenylenevinylene] MEH-PPV in a few organic solutions. The ASE of MEH-PPV appears to arise from its excimeric state. This is perhaps the first report, to the best of our knowledge, on an excimeric-liquid state laser. MEH-PPV in solutions of benzene or tetrahydrofuran (THF) was pumped by the second and third harmonics of an Nd:YAG (532 and 355 nm) for different pump-pulse energies. The ASE of MEH-PPV was compared with the conventional laser dyes Rhodamine B (Rh B) and Rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G). The most important and distinguishing features are: (a) MEH-PPV has a four-times better photochemical stability than Rh B or Rh 6G; (b) the threshold and concentration for the laser action in MEH-PPV is far less than Rh B or Rh 6G.     

Laser frequency stabilization using a balanced bi-polarimeter

We report on a Doppler-free polarization spectroscopy based technique of laser frequency stabilization using a balanced bi-polarimeter set-up. Two linearly polarized weak laser beams are used to probe birefringence induced by two oppositely circularly polarized strong pump beams in a vapour cell. Subtraction of balanced polarimeter signals obtained from the two probe beams results in a background-free dispersion-like reference signal without frequency modulation. The dispersion-like signal corresponding to the closed transition 5 ² S _1/2 (F=2) →5 ² P _3/2 (F^′=3) of ⁸⁷Rb was used for frequency locking of a diode laser. The frequency fluctuations and the drift were measured to be less than 0.25 MHz and 0.02 MHz, respectively, for an observation period of more than 10 hours. PACS 42.62.Fi; 42.55.Px; 32.30.-r     

Excimer state of a conjugate polymer (MEH-PPV) in liquid solutions

The conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) is an important electrooptical material, which is useable as an excellent laser media. In this paper, we present the absorption and fluorescence spectral characteristics of MEH-PPV in a few organic solvents. The paper shows that MEH-PPV exists in an excimeric state in benzene, and that the laser action as shown here arises from a liquid excimeric state.     

Photodetachment of H- in a static electric field

We derive a formula using closed-orbit theory for the photodetachment cross-section of H^- in the presence of a static electric field when there is an arbitrary angle θ_L between the laser polarization direction and the static electric field. This formula generalizes the previous result for laser polarization parallel to the static electric field, the effect of laser polarization direction appears as a factor cos²(θ_L) in the amplitude of the oscillation. A photodetachment cross-section formula valid above and below detachment threshold is proposed.     

Influence of laser pulse width on absolute EUV-yield from Xe-clusters

Using 50 fs ( ∼ 2×10¹⁸ W/cm²) and 2 ps ( ∼ 5×10¹⁶ W/cm²) pulses from a Ti:Sa multi-TW laser at 800 nm wavelength large Xe-clusters ( 10⁵...10⁶ atoms per cluster) have been excited. Absolute yield measurements of EUV-emission in a wavelength range between 10 nm and 15 nm in combination with cluster target variation were carried out. The ps-laser pulse has resulted in about 30% enhanced and spatially more uniform EUV-emission compared to fs-laser excitation. Circularly polarized laser light instead of linear polarization results in enhanced emission which is probably caused by electrons gaining higher energies by the polarization dependent optical field ionization process. An absolute emission efficiency at 13.4 nm of up to 0.8% in 2π sr and 2.2% bandwidth has been obtained. Received 11 January 2001 and Received in final form 27 March 2001     

M<Superscript>2</Superscript> of MOPA CuBr Laser Radiation

The beam propagation factor, M² of the master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) CuBr laser emission compliant with ISO 11146 is studied methodically. Statistical parameters of 2D intensity profile of the near and far fields of MOPA laser radiation are measured by a beam analyzing technique as functions of timing delay between MO and PA. For first time the influence of the gas buffer (causing the radiation profile to change from annular to top-hat and Gaussian-like) and light polarization on CuBr laser beam focusability (M²) was under investigation. The MOPA gain curve is found and the influence of gain on the input signal (from MO into PA) due to the absorption/amplification in PA on the field profiles is shown. For annular radiation M² range is from 13–14 (small delays) to 5–6 (large delays) and for filled-center radiation M² is 6–7 (small delays) and at the end of gain curve is as much as 4. With polarized light, M² drops to 3 at the end of gain curve. The brightness of laser emission with hydrogen goes up 3–5 times and the linearly-polarized beam is at least 40% brighter than that of partial or non-polarized beams.     

Using frequency-narrowed,tunable laser diode arrays with integrated volume holographic gratings for spin-exchange optical pumping at high resonant fluxes and xenon densities

Next-generation laser diode arrays with integrated ‘on-chip’ volume holographic gratings can provide high power with spectrally narrowed output that can be tuned about the rubidium D₁ line—without causing significant changes to the laser’s flux or spectral profile. These properties were exploited to independently evaluate the effects of varying the laser centroid wavelength and power on batch-mode Rb/¹²⁹Xe spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP) as functions of xenon partial pressure and cell temperature. Locally optimized SEOP was often achieved with the laser tuned to either the red or blue side of the Rb D₁ line; global optimization of SEOP was observed at lower cell temperatures and followed the D₁ absorption profile, which was asymmetrically broadened and red-shifted from the nominal wavelength. The complex dependence of the optimal wavelength for laser excitation on the cell temperature and Xe density appears to result from an interplay between cell illumination and the Rb/¹²⁹Xe spin-exchange rate, as well as [Xe]_cell-dependent changes to the Rb absorption lineshape that are in qualitative agreement with expectations based on previous work [Romalis et al., Phys. Rev. A, 56:4569–4578, (1997)], but significantly greater in magnitude. These next-generation lasers provide a ∼2–3-fold improvement in ¹²⁹Xe polarization compared to conventional broadband lasers.     

基于长脉冲光源的钠信标回光特性实验研究

采用与信标发射接收系统参数匹配的长脉冲光源,可在脉冲回光时间内产生较亮星等的钠信标,既有利于提高信标探测的信噪比,也有利于实现自适应光学系统的高频闭环校正.基于450 mm直径望远镜和大能量长脉冲光源,开展了钠信标探测实验,得到了长脉冲光源产生的钠信标回光特性.通过CCD和光电倍增管,采集得到了不同发射能量、出射偏振态下的回光强度,并获得了最大强度为15万光子/m2/pulse的回光,对应脉冲回光时间内约4.1等星的亮度.分析推算了实验条件下钠原子的柱密度.实验全过程未出现明显的饱和现象,验证了采用长脉冲钠信标光源避免饱和效应、得到高亮度钠信标的可行性.     

Wavelength dependence of transient photovoltage polarity

Using pulsed laser with different wavelengths, transient photovoltage (TPV) is investigated for the sandwich device of indium tin oxide (ITO)/poly (2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV) (500 nm)/Al. At laser wavelength of 500 nm, a 0.1 millisecond negative TPV signal appears followed by a positive one lasting 40-80 milliseconds. With increasing laser wavelength, the negative signal becomes weak and disappears when wavelengths λ?560 nm. This work demonstrates the process of exciton dissociation at the interface between ITO and MEH-PPV. A new method measuring the relative dissociation rate at the interface between polymer and electrode is introduced. It is estimated that the dissociation rate at Al interface is 4-8 times of that at the ITO interface.     

Resonant two-photon absorption in a tetragonal CdP2

Kinetic, spectral, intensity, angular, and polarization of resonant two-photon absorption (TPA) in β-CdP₂ has been investigated. Resonant TPA was observed for which the total energy of the two photons was 2.60 eV. It is shown that resonant TPA takes place via a real intermediate level d ₃ in the band gap at the depth E _c-0.86 eV. The electron transverse relaxation time for resonant TPA, the cross section for absorption of laser photons in d ₃→C transitions, the equilibrium population of d ₃ centers in a doped n-type sample, and the resonant TPA constant were determined as 4.3×10⁻¹⁴ s, 1.25×10⁻¹⁷ cm², 0.95, and 0.028 cm/MW, respectively. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 1252–1256 (July 1998)     

Pulsed laser treatment of gold and black gold thin films fabricated by thermal evaporation

The effect of pulsed laser treatment of metal, and metal blacks, was studied. Gold and black gold thin films were fabricated by thermal evaporation of gold in a vacuum and nitrogen atmosphere respectively. Black gold films were grown in a nitrogen atmosphere at pressures of 200 Pa and 300 Pa. UV pulsed laser radiation (λ = 266 nm, τ = 4 ns), with fluence ranging from 1 mJ·cm⁻² to 250 mJ·cm⁻² was used for the film treatment in a vacuum and nitrogen atmosphere. The nitrogen pressure was varied up to 100 kPa. Surface structure modifications were analyzed by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was used for chemical characterization of the samples. A significant dependence of the film optical and structural properties on laser treatment conditions (laser fluence, ambient pressure and number of applied pulses) was found. The threshold for observable damage and initiation of changes of morphology for gold and black gold surfaces was determined. Distinct modifications were observed for fluences greater than 106 mJ·cm⁻² and 3.5 mJ·cm⁻² for the gold and black gold films respectively. Absorbtivity of the black gold film is found to decrease with an increase in the number of laser pulses. Microstructural and nanostructural modifications after laser treatment of the black gold film were observed. EDX analysis revealed that no impurities were introduced into the samples during both the deposition and laser treatment.      

Polarization manipulated solid-state lasers with crystalline-orientations

The polarization states of 〈111〉-cut Yb:YAG crystal microchip lasers were investigated by pumped with the elliptically polarized pump beam from fiber-coupled laser-diode. The manipulated polarized lasers were achieved in laser-diode pumped Yb:YAG microchip laser by controlling the crystalline-orientations in 〈111〉-growth Yb:YAG crystal. Generally elliptically polarized lasers were obtained in laser-diode pumped Yb:YAG microchip lasers. However, crystalline-orientation manipulated linearly polarized laser was obtained when six different sites with different crystalline orientations were set to parallel to the major axis direction of the elliptically polarized pump beam. Six different sites in Yb:YAG crystal were separated with 30° and 90°, which were responsible for the linearly polarized laser oscillations. Circularly polarized lasers were observed when a Yb:YAG crystal was aligned to a special position between two sites responsible for linearly polarized laser oscillation. Effects of the polarization states of pump source on the laser polarization states of Yb:YAG microchip lasers and polarization direction of different polarized lasers with respect to Yb:YAG crystal rotation was addressed.     

Environmentally-stable all-normal-dispersion picosecond Yb-doped fiber laser with an achromatic quarter-wave-plate

We present an environmentally-stable picosecond Yb-doped fiber laser by employing an achromatic quarter-wave-plate (AQWP) as a pulse stabilizer in the all-normal-dispersion and polarization-maintaining linear laser cavity. It is shown that the AQWP plays a critical role to control both the polarization state and spectral filtering of the proposed mode-locked laser. The demonstrated laser generates 2-ps-long pulses with pulse energies of 1 nJ at a repetition rate of 117 MHz and parabolic spectral width of 26 nm. The fundamental RF carrier frequency exhibits Allan deviation of 3.8 × 10⁻⁸ at 1-s averaging time and phase noise of −95 dBc/Hz at 10-Hz offset frequency.     

805-nm diode-pumped continuous-wave 2-µm laser performance of Tm3+:BaGd2(MoO4)4 cleavage plate

End-pumped by a single-stripe 805-nm diode laser, a maximum continuous-wave output power of 290 mW with slope efficiency of 42% and 90 mW with slope efficiency of 44% around 2 μm were achieved in a 1.6-mm-thickness, unprocessed 7.2 at.% Tm³⁺:BaGd₂(MoO₄)₄ cleavage plate in a hemispherical and plano–plano cavities, respectively, when the absorbed pump power was 830 mW. The dependence of the polarization of output laser on the output coupler transmission was investigated. The influence of upconversion on the laser performance was analyzed. The results show that the unprocessed Tm³⁺:BaGd₂(MoO₄)₄ cleavage plate is a promising 2-μm laser gain medium pumped by diode laser around 808 nm.