Wavelength conversion from silica to polymer optical fibre communication wavelengths via ultrafast optical gain switching in a distributed feedback polymer laser

The output of red (similar to 650 nm) light emitting polymer DFB lasers can be modulated by exposure to infrared (similar to 1.3 mu m) control pulses that depopulate the S, level (see figure). This offers the prospect of an effective wavelength conversion between silica and polymer optical fibre communication wavelengths.