Spectroscopy and laser performance of new BF 2 -complex dyes in solution

Abstract

Four new BF<SUB>2</SUB>-complex laser dyes have been synthesized and spectroscopic and laser studies have been performed. The 8-cyano-pyrromethene-BF<SUB>2</SUB> complexes showed the best performance with red emission and slope efficiencies as high as 48% when pumped with a frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser. Additionally, three previously known pyrromethene-BF<SUB>2</SUB> complex dyes obtained from a commercial source were tested. These dyes showed a relative efficiency of greater than 80%, with one (PM-580) displaying a slope efficiency of 89%. This efficiency is the highest reported for any dye laser.