In this paper, we examined the feasibility of nuclear superfluorescenc
e (SF). Minimum requirements on the pumping power to obtain inversion
and produce measurable SF pulses are calculated for two candidate nucl
ei using a Maxwell-Bloch model of SE This model allows us to study the
dynamics of pumping and SF emission and includes electronic attenuati
on, competing transitions, homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening, a
nd finite pumping times. In the direct emission approach, using Co-60
prepared in the isomeric level by thermal neutrons, close to ideal con
ditions for the emitter and thermal neutron fluxes of 10(17) - 10(18)
cm(-2) s(-1) for the pumping would be required to produce SE The up-co
nversion approach assumes an intermediate level that could serve as a
channel for pumping with electromagnetic radiation from the isomeric l
evel in Sn-119 to the Mossbauer lasing level. These pumping requiremen
ts were found to be even more difficult to attain. With pumping radiat
ion in the range of 1 - 10 keV, 10(10) - 10(12) W/cm(2) were required
to achieve SE