The output characteristics of a KrF-laser-pumped Fe vapor laser have been investigated experimentally. A YAG laser of 1.5 J/pulse is used for producing Fe vapor and a KrF laser of about 34 mJ/pulse is employed for optically pumping the Fe vapor. The Fe laser output is measured as a function of He buffer gas pressure, delay time, vaporizing laser intensity and pumping laser intensity. A maximum laser energy of 1.08 μJ and a maximum optical conversion efficiency ([Fe laser energy]/[KrF laser energy]) of 6.5 × 10 −3(%) are obtained. The optical gains at 299.95 and 304.04 nm are 1.53 and 1.77/cm, respectively.