Visible and u v high-pressure electron-beam lasers

The problems of the generation of laser radiation at short wavelengths are discussed with reference to the choice of a suitable medium, excitation source and availability of optical materials. The kinetics and operation of the electron-beam pumped vacuum ultraviolet molecular noble gas lasers are described with particular reference to xenon (λ = 172 nm). The characteristics of the electron-beam pumped transfer lasers Ar–N₂ (λ = 355.7 nm) and He–N₂ (λ = 427.8 nm) are discussed.