We report the fabrication of widely tuneable (627702nm) optically pumped two-dimensional distributed feedback polymer lasers that utilize a red-emission fluorene copolymer as the active gain medium. The lasers exhibit efficient, low threshold operation and emit highly directional output beams as a result of the enhanced two-dimensional photonic confinement provided by the employed resonator. Their emission and operating characteristics are described in detail. We demonstrate that the very wide spectral range (Δλ75nm) over which these lasers can be systematically tuned is in very good agreement with theoretical predictions based on a simple waveguide model. In addition, we show that the lasers have long operating lifetimes τ122×107 pulses and we discuss the impact that degradation has on the laser output characteristics.

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