DYE-DOPED SOL-GEL DERIVED SILICA LASER TUNABLE FROM 352-NM TO 387-NM

Broadband fluorescence emission ranging from 350-400 nm was observed f rom Exalite 377B (E377)-doped sol-gel silica in bulk form or in thin-f ilm form. The fluorescence spectra of sol-gel samples of low dye conce ntrations (similar to 7 x 10(-5) M) show a two peak structure at 360 n m and 378 nm. Wideband tuning between 352 nm and 387 nm was obtained f rom a E377 -doped sol-gel silica slab pumped by a short pulse (1 ns) N -2 laser at 337 nm. The laser tuning curve also showed a two peak stru cture at 360 nm and 378 nm.