Studies on laser action from polymeric matrices doped with coumarin 503

The lasing properties of coumarin 503 (C503) dissolved in pure poly(methyl methacrylate) homopolymer and in copolymers of methyl methacrylate with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, and styrene have been investigated. The laser samples were transversely pumped at 337 nm with 1.2-mJ pulses from a nitrogen laser. The influence on the C503 laser performance of parameters such as dye concentration, viscoelasticity of the matrix, and degree of crosslinking of the polymeric chains were examined. Lasing efficiencies of up to 19% and lifetimes (defined as a 90% efficiency drop) of 2600 pulses at 2 Hz repetition rate were demonstrated. Conditions that could result in an increase of dye photostability by the addition of 1,4-diazobicyclo[2.2.2]octane or cyclooctatetraene are discussed.