Photodegradation and Photophysics of Laser Dyes
Abstract
The solubilization of laser dyes in water with the aid of the polyelectrolyte, poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) has been studied. An important strategy was the isolation of dye species in the 'hypercoils' associated with the polyelectrolyte, as it is found a moderately acidic pH. Polymer-bound dyes in water display markedly enhanced emission yield, lifetime, and polarization. Dye materials are also less susceptible to photodegradation, since they are isolated in polymer domains away from adventitious quenchers. Also examined in the study was the possibility that two dyes could be co-bound within polymer domains and that energy transfer between the two would result in 'downshifting' of output emission wavelengths. Of the various amphiphilic media used for solubilizing organic dyes in water (e.g., detergent micelles, cyclodextrins), PMAA shows the greatest promise in term of fluorescence enhancement and compartmentalization or organized assembly of additives. These studies show promise for the protection of the dyes against undesirable photodegradation under flash excitation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA285105
Entities
People
- G. Jones Ii
Organizations
- Boston University