Gain measurements in binary and ternary dye mixture solutions under nitrogen laser excitation

Abstract

Energy transfer studies in the case of binary [Coumarin 485 (C485) + Rhodamine 610 perchlorate (Rh 610)] and ternary [C440 + C485 + Rh610 perchlorate] dye mixture solutions in ethanol have been made and discussed through optical gain characteristics at various acceptor concentrations and pump powers of the N 2-laser. In case of binary mixtures, we observe that the optical gain of the acceptor dye (Rh610) improves and the threshold power required for lasing action decreases when donor dye (C485) is added. The concentration dependence of peak gain and peak lasing wavelength of the energy transfer dye laser (ETDL) has been studied. The results have also been compared with the optical gain characteristics of these dyes in single component solutions. The energy transfer rate constants ( K F , the Förster type non-radiative and K R , the radiative rate constants) and critical transfer radius ( R o ) have been calculated using a Stern-Volmer analysis of the pump power dependence of the gain. From the experimental results, we find that the dominant mechanism responsible for efficient excitation transfer in this bimixture is of a radiative nature. Further, the gain equation for a ternary dye mixture has been derived using the transfer rate constants for two different possible bimixtures; C440 + C485 and C485 + Rh610, which is helpful in obtaining the optimum concentration to be used in the ternary mixture for higher gains.