Lasing and Stimulated Emission in pi-Conjugated Polymers

Recent studies of lasing and stimulated emission in luminescent pi-conjugated polymers performed by our group are presented. Optical properties of cylindrical, high-Q, polymer microcavities are discussed. The emission spectra of plastic microring and microdisk lasers are measured and analyzed. Light emitting polymer microdiodes are demonstrated as possible candidates for electrically-driven plastic lasers. In addition, two unusual regimes of stimulated emission characterized by narrow laser-like spectral lines are demonstrated in thin waveguides polymer films. These regimes may be associated with random optical feedback introduced by light scattering inside the polymer films and amplified Raman scattering respectively.