Optical properties of lissamine functionalized Nd3+ complexes in polymer waveguides and solution

Lissamine functionalized terphenyl-based Nd complexes are synthesized, and incorporated in deuterated dimethylsulfoxide solutions and partially fluori nated planar polymer waveguides. Optical excitation of the lissamine sensit izer around 500 nm, followed by intramolecular energy transfer to the Nd3ion, causes near-infrared photoluminescence (890, 1060, 1340 nm) due to int ra-4f transitions in the Nd3+ ion. The intramolecular energy transfer rate is larger than 10(7) s(-1). Due to the large absorption cross-section of th e sensitizer (>10(-17) cm(2) around 500 nm), the Nd3+ is excited 10(4) time s more efficiently than in a pure complex, without sensitizer. The Nd3+ lum inescence lifetime is relatively short, both in solution (2.2 mu s) and in a polymer host (0.8 mu s), which is attributed to coupling to vibrational s tates of nearby C-H and O-H groups. Spincoated fluorinated polymer planar w aveguides, doped with these sensitized organic Nd complexes show excellent waveguide properties. Upon continued illumination, photodegradation is obse rved in the doped polymer films. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.