Tunable random laser action in a π-conjugated polymer-based photonic glass gain medium

Tunable random laser emission over a 7-nm waveband is demonstrated using a green-emitting π-conjugated polymer infiltrated into a photonic glass formed by micron- and submicron-size monodisperse silica spheres. Corresponding scattering cross-section, scattering length and transport mean free paths are calculated using the Mie scattering theory and, along with experimental results, indicate that this system operates in the condition of weak scattering.