Optical and discharge studies of novel electronic transition laser species

A new class of diatomic lasers has been developed by optical pumping. These lase on lines in the near ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum. Optical excitation studies show that these molecular systems have high efficiency, may be scalable to high average powers, are nondegradable, and offer promise for pumping by other excitation schemes, such as electric discharge. It is possible that one or more candidate systems in this category of lasers might be useful in generating blue-green radiation for underwater applications. Preliminary investigations with electric discharge excitation show good formation of glow dischargers in sulfur dimer vapor. Materials problems and the difficulties of high temperature discharge technology appear to be the major drawbacks in pursuing such studies further for laser action.