EPOXY MATRIX FOR SOLID-STATE DYE-LASER APPLICATIONS

The preparation and performance of an epoxy-based matrix impregnated w ith Pyrromethene 580 for solid-state dye laser applications are discus sed. The matrix proved to he stable and efficient as a laser medium wh en pumped by a frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a 10-ns pulse width. Stability measurements were performed on a l-mm-thick ep oxy sample, doped with Pyrromethene 580 at a concentration of 4 x 10(- 3) M. When the sample was pumped at millijoule energy levels, the stab ility was measured to be similar to 55,000 pulses from a single spot o n the sample before the power dropped by a factor of half. (C) 1997 Op tical Society of America.