Study of laser created metal vapour plasmas

Laser resonance saturation represents a powerful new form of interaction that can lead at high densities to extremely rapid and efficient coupling of laser energy into both gases and plasmas. A comprehensive experimental facility and a theoretical program for studying these interactions in alkali-vapors was developed. Preliminary calculations have suggested that laser resonance saturation could lead to extensive ground level burnout of certain kinds of atoms or ions and that this could lead to the creation of a ground level inversion in these species. This approach could lead to the development of short wavelength lasers of high quantum efficiency.