Prospects for Developing a Laser Based on Electrochemiluminescence

Abstract

A new form of laser is proposed in which electrochemical energy in the form of a charge-transfer reaction would be used to create directly a population inversion. The direct formation of either excited-singlet-state molecules or excimers by radical-ion annihilation is suggested as the primary means of attaining a population inversion within the electroactive organic species. 9,10-Diphenylanthracene is proposed as a possible contender for the singlet approach, while 9,10-dimethylanthracene and 9,10-dichloranthracene are suggested for the excimer scheme. An estimate has been made of the conditions necessary to achieve laser action in the case of 9,10-diphenylanthracene.