Reversible switching of quantum cascade laser-modes using a pH-responsive polymeric cladding as transducer.
We present a novel approach for the reversible switching of the emission wavelength of a quantum cascade laser (QCL) using a halochromic cladding. An air-waveguide laser ridge is coated with a thin layer of polyacrylic acid. This cladding introduces losses corresponding to the absorption spectrum of the polymer. By changing the state of the polymer, the absorption spectrum and losses change, inducing a shift of 7 cm(-1) in the emission wavelength. This change is induced by exposure to acidic or alkaline vapors under ambient conditions and is fully reversible. Such lasers can be used as multi-color light source and as sensor for atmospheric pH.
Basnar
Bernhard
B
Center for Micro- and Nanostructures, Vienna University of Technology, Floragasse 7, 1040 Vienna, Austria. basnar@tuwien.ac.at
Schartner
Stephan
S
Austerer
Maximilian
M
Andrews
Aaron Maxwell
AM
Roch
Tomas
T
Schrenk
Werner
W
Strasser
Gottfried
G
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014159:Transducers
D000180:Acrylic Resins; C006903:carbopol 940