The intensities of N-2 (C-3 pi(u) - B-3 pi(g)) bands in nitrogen laser
discharge at pre-lasing, just lasing and best lasing conditions have
been measured. The results are compared with measurements of the same
bands emitted from: (a) condensed discharge; (b) transverse discharge
and (c) the available data. The values of cross-sections for excitatio
n are evaluated and mechanisms of excitation are discussed.