[en] A concept for the development of an efficient short wavelength laser based on a class of endoergic molecules-azides is being studied. One of these two laser-device experiments involves generating high concentrations of azide radicals in the thermal pyrolysis of solid, ionic azides, with the subsequent excitation of the N₂(B³pi/sub g/) state from azide-radical recombination. Laser action would then take place upon the N₂(B³pi/sub g/ - A³Sigma⁺/sub u/), first-postive transition. The second laser-demonstration experiment involves creating a high density of NCl(b¹Sigma⁺) state by uv photolysis of ClN₃. In this case laser emission is expected on the NCl(b¹Sigma⁺ → X³Sigma^-) transition at 665 nm