Broadband solid state optical amplifier based on a semiconducting polymer

A compact, solid state optical amplifier based on the conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2(')-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] has been demonstrated. The amplifier was optically pumped. Gratings were used to couple the signal into and out of the film. The transmitted signal was amplified over 100 times in a 1 mm long waveguide giving 21 dB gain at 630 nm. A gain of >13 dB was observed at 615 and 650 nm giving a gain bandwidth of > 26 THz. The gain dynamics at pump densities below 5 mu J/cm(2) are described by an exciton-exciton annihilation model. At higher pump intensities, amplified spontaneous emission and photoinduced losses become significant. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.