Intense proton-beam-pumped Ar-N2 laser

Gas laser action using a current and space‐charge‐neutralized proton beam as a pump source has been demonstrated. Stimulated emission at 357.7 and 380.5 nm, corresponding to the v′=0→v″=1 and v′=0→v″=2 transitions of the N2 (C→B) band, has been observed in Ar/5%N2 gas mixtures. In comparison with electron beams, protons appear to be more efficient for excitation sources of high‐pressure uv and visible lasers.