Copper and gold vapour lasers for spectroscopy

Topics relating to spectroscopic applications of a new generation of metal vapour lasers are discussed. These lasers are distinguished by a high efficiency, compact size, air cooling, and user friendliness. Practical results are given of an investigation of the Raman scattering of light in gallium phosphide, silicon, graphite, and diamond films directly during their growth, and also of the kinetics of two-photon absorption and photoluminescence of aqueous solutions of porphyrin. The pulsed nature of the radiation in combination with good energy and temporal parameters of metal vapour lasers are opening up new avenues for spectroscopic investigations of various fast processes, particularly in the cases of weak signals and strong parasitic illumination.