Luminescent polymer optical fibers: linear and nonlinear spectroscopy and lasing

We have reported on optical gain and blue lasing from a step index glass-clad polymer optical fibre that uses a novel fluorescent stilbenoid compound, 1,4-bis(4diphenylamino-styryl)-benzene. Our results will open the door to the development of compact polymer fiber lasers and amplifiers for such diverse applications as polymer optical fiber-based networks, spectroscopy and sensing.