Decay kinetics of the 6p2 1D2 lower active level in a pulsed lead vapor laser

Resonant absorption of light due to the 7s³ P⁰_l–6p^{2 1}D₂ transition in the lead atom was used to study the decay of the 6p^{2 1}D₂ lower active level in a pulsed lead vapor laser during the afterglow of a pulsed discharge in a mixture of lead vapor and neon buffer gas. Two characteristic decay times were observed: τ₁=2 μsec immediately after the excitation pulse and τ₂=10 μsec in the later stages of the afterglow. Possible mechanisms for decay of the level of the lead atom under study are discussed.