Nuclear-pumped infrared lasers using transitions of C, N, O, and Cl atoms

A review of recent experimental and theoretical studies devoted to new acti ve media of nuclear-pumped lasers using transitions of chlorine, carbon, ni trogen, and oxygen atoms is provided. Optimal parameters of lasing are pres ented, and dependences of optimal and threshold characteristics of these la sers on the composition of the active medium are analyzed. The mechanisms b ehind population inversion for the transitions under study are described. T he influence of impurities on lasing through transitions of chlorine atoms is investigated. The experimental results are analyzed in terms of comprehe nsive nonstationary kinetic models. A list of estimates on rate constants o f plasma-chemical reactions is presented.