Study of Ultraviolet Lasers.

Abstract : The present work deals with the generation of coherent light in the UV (4000 A to 2000 A) and VUV (<2000 A) spectral regions. During the present reporting period, research has been directed toward detailed measurements and calculations leading to a better understanding of the VUV lasers, improved laser engineering, using harmonic generation as an alternative to direct excitation, and investigating ion beams as a new means of exciting laser media. The overall goal has been to seek more efficient pumping schemes in order to better deal with the problem of even larger excitation powers required at still shorter wavelengths.