OPTICALLY PUMPED HYDROGEN-FLUORIDE LASER

We present results from a study of an optically pumped hydrogen fluori de laser. Rotation-vibration transitions within the (2,0) band near 1. 3 mu m ate pumped, and bath amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and l aser oscillation are observed on (2,1) band transitions; near 2.7 mu m . Longitudinal and transverse pumping schemes are discussed. We also h ave pumped the (3,0) band and observed ASE on both the (3,2) and (2,1) bands. This system serves as a prototype for other mid-infrared diato mic and polyatomic lasers based upon overtone pumping. (C) 1998 Americ an Institute of Physics.