Efficient generation of blue light in oligothiophene chromophores doped in polymer films and fiber

•A conjugated oligothiophene chromophore was studied.•Large linear and nonlinear absorption.•Efficent blue emittnig polymer fiber demonstrated.•Blue emitting dyes in polymers are tabulated. A conjugated oligothiophene chromophore with large linear and nonlinear absorption cross-sections that emits light in the blue region is studied. Here measurements of the one- and two-photon absorption and fluorescence of an oligothiophene chromophore doped in polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) polymer is presented. It was observed that oligothiophene/PMMA fluoresces strongly and through amplified spontaneous emission (ASE), is an efficient source of blue light around 460nm. Using these materials, a polymer fiber-based blue ASE light source is demonstrated. Blue emitting molecules (mainly in PMMA) are tabulated for comparison.