Conjugated polymers: lasing and stimulated emission

The discovery of gain narrowing in electroluminescent conjugated polymers h as launched a new held of research aiming towards polymer-based injection l asers. Especially poly(para-phenylene vinylene)- (PPV) and poly(para-phenyl ene)- (PPP) -type polymers have been applied as active materials. Time-reso lved measurements have unravelled the photophysics for low and high excitat ion levels. If suited resonator configurations of the device are used (e.g. microcavity, microring, microdisc, distributed feedback and distributed Br agg resonators) optically pumped single mode laser emission can be observed for moderate excitation levels. These results represent an important step towards the realisation of future 'all-plastics' injection lasers. Conjugat ed polymer laser devices might lead to novel applications in measurement in strumentation and information technology which rely on large area emitters and geometries not accessible to conventional inorganic laser materials. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.