title: Proton-transfer lasers from solid polymeric chains with covalently bound 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzimidazole groups.
abstract: The lasing properties of a number of newly synthesized 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl) benzimidazole derivatives copolymerized with methyl methacrylate or dissolved in poly (methyl methacrylate) and pumped with an N(2) laser are reported. The radiation mechanism is based on the intramolecular proton-transfer in the electronic excited state. Both the lasing efficiency and the dye photostability increase significantly when the proton-transfer chromophore is covalently bound to the polymeric chain, and energy-conversion efficiencies comparable to those obtained in liquid solution are demonstrated.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ferrer
authors.forename: A U
authors.initials: AU
authors.lastname: Acuña
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Amat-Guerri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Costela
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Figuera
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Florido
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sastre