Chapter 4 - Materials for solid-state dye lasers

Abstract

This chapter discusses the materials for solid-state dye lasers and presents a detailed account of the developments in the field of solid-state dye lasers over the past 15 years. The characteristics, properties, and preparation methods of different materials used as solid hosts for lasing dyes are also considered in the chapter in addition to the structures and photophysical properties of the organic dyes incorporated into solid matrices. The development of solid-state dye lasers with emission in the blue and green spectral regions requires a very careful assessment and optimization of the different parameters involved in the laser operation before performances comparable to those of the more developed solid-state dye lasers with emission at longer wavelengths could be obtained. The technology of solid-state dye lasers has improved a lot over the past decade, and new dyes and hosts with better performances have been developed.