New dyes for passive switches in ruby lasers

Dyes suitable for passive switching in the generation of ultrashort pulses in ruby lasers were synthesized and investigated. Two groups of polymethine dyes were studied: 1) Cation cyanines; 2) electron–neutral merocyanines. The absorption spectra and cross sections of these dyes were determined. The shifts resulting from the replacement of the solvent (solvatochromism) were found. Suitable dye – solvent combinations were tested as passive switches under Q-switching and mode-locking conditions. The characteristics of the output radiation obtained using these switches were determined.