Melt-processed polymer multilayer distributed feedback lasers: Progress and prospects

ABSTRACT Reflecting recent progress in the functionalization of roll‐to‐roll processed polymer multilayers, this review describes the development and characterization of versatile large‐area multilayer distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. These developments are reviewed in the broader context of microresonator lasers, with a brief tutorial on the theory and experiment needed to understand their unique features. Of particular interest is the broad tunability of these DFB lasers by simple modification of their structure, mechanical stretching, and temperature. Prospects for commercialization of polymer multilayer DFB lasers are also discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 251–271 Multilayer polymer distributed feedback lasers offer advantages due to their large areas available for lasing, flexibility, and ease of manipulation. These multilayer laser films are easily mass‐produced through a melt‐processed co‐extrusion technique. Their versatility is especially evident from the wide range of mechanisms available for tuning the laser output wavelength, including temperature tuning, mechanical stretching using elastomeric polymers, and tuning through the introduction of folded‐in structure defects.