Efficient generation of blue light in oligothiophene chromophores doped in polymer films and fiber

• A conjugated oligothiophene chromophore was studied.
• Large linear and nonlinear absorption.
• Efficent blue emittnig polymer fiber demonstrated.
• Blue emitting dyes in polymers are tabulated.

A conjugated oligothiophene chromophore with large linear and nonlinear absorption cross-sections that emits light in the blue region is studied. Here measurements of the one- and two-photon absorption and fluorescence of an oligothiophene chromophore doped in polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) polymer is presented. It was observed that oligothiophene/PMMA fluoresces strongly and through amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), is an efficient source of blue light around 460 nm. Using these materials, a polymer fiber-based blue ASE light source is demonstrated. Blue emitting molecules (mainly in PMMA) are tabulated for comparison.