Lasers and laser applications. Narrowband fluorescer used to drive an iodine photodissociation laser

The high energy and average power eventually required for a laser-fusion power reactor preclude the use of solid-state or liquid lasers as now conceived. A program is under way at LLL to develop short-wavelength, high-efficiency, gas-laser media that have the appropriate physical characteristics for reactor applications. Photolytic lasers pumped by narrowband excimer fluorescence are one possibility. An iodine photodissociation laser using fluorescence from the XeBr* excimer as a pump source was demonstrated. This scheme is being pursued as a candidate source for future laser-research facilities