The first known instance of electron beam pumped lasing on the 546.1 nm transition in mercury (Hg) is reported. This has been achieved using high‐energy electrons to create excitation and ionization in a coaxial diode chamber containing a mixture of noble gases with a small amount of mercury vapor. The kinetic processes within the resulting partially ionized plasma favor the production of mercury ions and ion complexes containing mercury with subsequent recombination with electrons favoring the production of the 73S state of Hg, the upper laser level.
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© 1992 American Institute of Physics.
1992
American Institute of Physics
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