Visible and UV 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 (at a wavelength of 172 nm). The characteristics of the electron-beam pumped transfer lasers Ar-N2 (at a wavelength of 355.7 nm) and He-N2 (at a wavelength of 427.8 nm) are discussed.