BODIPY-RS (DCM.AD006.226)

Research project

Abstract

Semiconductor lasers are the backbone of modern optical telecommunications and used in an increasing number of applications. Recently, researchers have developed a new method to generate laser emission in which light and matter is mixed forming a type of 'hybridparticle' termed a cavity-polariton. When a large number of polaritons are present in the device all polaritons become 'locked together' and adopt the same energy and move in the same way. This process is called condensation. As polaritons are made from light and matter, we can detect such condensates as they emit light. Such light bears many of the properties of laser light, so this process is called polariton-lasing and it happens with low energy input - allowing to reduce energy demands in electronics. We intend to develop new materials for polariton-lasing based on fluorescent molecules. We have already proved the principle of polariton-lasing using such materials, and so we wish to develop materials that operate more efficiently. The project involves a collaboration between Italian chemists and UK experts in semiconductor physics. We expect the project will provide advances in materials for advanced optical-technologies

Goals

This project will use the complementary experience of the UK and Italian teams to develop new BODIPY materials suitable for polariton condensation; the Italian team will be involved in the synthesis of new BODIPY dyes with TPA in the lateral position. The introduction of such moieties will permit to tune the dye's absorption and emission wavelength, will help to suppress molecular aggregation and to load higher concentrations of dye into polymeric matrix. Following this, we will explore the substitution of the B-F linkage with long alkyl chains or ethylene glycol derivatives. This will increase the film forming ability of the dye maintaining the morphological stability of films. The UK team will make the characterizations of the new BODIPY-dyes: PL quantum efficiency, optical gain and photostability. They will incorporate the most promising materials into microcavities by depositing them between two high reflectivity mirrors. A series of spectroscopic measurements will be performed to evidence strong-coupling, polariton condensation and lasing. We expect a rapid turnaround between material-synthesis and testing, allowing to establish material design rules for efficient polariton co

Start date of activity

31/03/2018

Keywords

Lasers and optoelectronics, organic semiconductors, polariton lasing

Last update: 28/05/2025

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Abstract

Goals

Start date of activity

Keywords