An efficient laser in the visible at the 3p-3s transitions of neon

The performance of a quasi-continuous-wave laser operating in the visible range at the 3p prime -3s prime transition of the neon atom, with electron-beam pumping, is investigated experimentally. It is shown that for a pumping power obtainable with the existing sources of ionizing radiation, a lasing efficiency of 1.5-2 percent is achieved; the absorption by molecular ions does not interfere with laser scaling.