Tunable blue lasers from alloys based on organic distyryl benzenesingle crystals

摘要

High-purity distyryl benzene (DSB) is synthesized, purified, and used in the construction of lasers operable in the blue-violet spectral range. The laser action is easily tuned. Crystal growth is based on a physical vapor transport (PVT) technique preferably using argon, hydrogen or 'forming gas' as the transport agent. Synthesis involves the use of a lithium ethoxide-promoted Wittig condensation between 1, 4-bis (triphenylphosphonium) benzene and benzaldehyde. A 15-minute treatment follows using a catalytic amount of iodine in refluxing toluene. A sequential purification of the DSB material involving a recrystallization from hexane solution, followed by vacuum distillation, is preferably undertaken prior to single-crystal growth. The resulting laser action occurs generally in the blue spectral range, and may also be tuned as a function of temperature. Tuning polarization or other optical properties may also be achieved.