High power pure rotational laser due to vibrational excitation

Abstract

Vibrational-rotational-translational relaxation is suggested as an excitation source of high power laser action based on rotational transitions in the far-IR spectral range. The conditions entailed by the operation of such a device can be achieved through the free expansion of a previously heated mixture of hydrogen halide molecules and slowly relaxing molecules. Systems similar to the present H2-HF gas dynamic laser, with powerful CW lasing in the far-IR, may find applications in plasma diagnostics and isotope separation. 16 references.