The influence of homogenization process on lasing performance in polymer-nematic liquid crystal emulsions

In this letter we report on the results of studies of amplified spontaneous emission in polymer - liquid crystal emulsions based on mixtures of poly(vinyl alcohol) and 5CB nematic liquid crystal doped with three luminescent dyes: DCM, Coumarin 504 and Coumarin 540. The mixture of dyes was used in order to extend the range of stimulated emission spectra. We have investigated the emission properties of four samples with different size and distribution of liquid crystal micro droplets, controlled by the length of time exposure on ultrasounds during the homogenization process. We have designated the threshold conditions for stimulated emission occurrence and compared the emission spectra obtained below as well as above threshold conditions.