Efficient emission of 1.1 – 1.5 μm radiation from a superfluorescent laser with IR dyes in a solid host

Emission of 1.1 – 1.5 μm radiation from a superfluorescent laser with IR dyes in a polymer host was observed and investigated. The energy efficiency of conversion to the infrared radiation was ~3% for picosecond pumping with Nd:YAG laser radiation. Continuous tuning of the emission wavelength of the superfluorescent laser was possible in the 1.1 – 1.5 μm range by altering the dye concentration in the polymer. The optimal selection of compatible dyes and polymers intended as active media in picosecond IR lasers was considered.