On the origin of the dip in the KrF laser gain spectrum. II. The short-pulse gain saturation experiment

The wavelength resolved spectra recorded during subnanosecond depletion of the gain in a KrF laser amplifier have been used to specify the state responsible for the dip in the KrF(B→X) emission spectra. Self-absorption of the KrF laser emission at 248.9 nm has been found to be due to the phototransition from the KrF(C) state to a 2Π Rydberg state.