Fusion pumped light source

Apparatus for generating light radiation which may be incoherent, for use as a flashlamp, or coherent, comprises a fusion reactor for generating a long, or continuous, pulse of high-energy neutrons which is coupled directly with the lasing medium. The lasing medium includes a first component selected from Group O of the periodic table of the elements and having a high inelastic scattering cross section. Gamma radiation from the inelastic scattering excites the first component to emit a first output wavelength. The first output wavelength may be shifted to a second wavelength using a second liquid component responsive to the first output wavelength. A coherent light output may be provided by incorporating conventional optics adjacent to the lasing medium. Materials are exemplified. (author)