Review of laser-pumped molecular lasers

Randy C.R. Jones

doi:10.1117/12.204954

31 March 1995 Review of laser-pumped molecular lasers

Randy C.R. Jones

Proceedings Volume 2502, Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers: Tenth International Symposium; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.204954
Event: Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers: Tenth International Symposium, 1994, Friedrichshafen, Germany

Abstract

Laser-pumped molecular lasers can be the source of laser wavelengths that are otherwise unavailable. In these laser sources a gas cell containing selected molecules is optically pumped with an available laser to generate output at a wavelength longer than that of the pump. For example, the CO₂ laser has long been used to generate far-infrared coherent radiation from optically pumped gases exemplified by methanol and heavy water. Indeed, laser-pumped molecular lasers have generated thousands of laser lines from the vacuum ultraviolet to the millimeterwave region since their inception in the early seventies. While these lasers are useful for specified wavelengths, they also offer the advantage of very good beam quality. The pump laser is not required to have good beam quality in order to achieve this performance. Interest in laser-pumped molecular lasers is expected to increase in the near future because of the needs of various users. Examples may be found in the mid-infrared region where compact sources are largely unavailable. The use of improved solid-state lasers or diode lasers as pump sources for molecular lasers will result in useful sources for remote sensing, ladar, and other applications.

Citation Download Citation

Randy C.R. Jones "Review of laser-pumped molecular lasers", Proc. SPIE 2502, Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers: Tenth International Symposium, (31 March 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.204954

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