Lasing as a result of a B–X transition in the excimer XeF formed as a result of photodissociation of KrF2 in mixtures with Xe

An investigation was made of the absorption spectrum of KrF₂ in the range 115–190 nm. A structure-free absorption band with a maximum at 162 nmand a half-width of 16 nm was observed. The absorption of light in this band resulted in photodissociation of KrF₂ producing excited KrF. Vacuum ultraviolet radiation generated by a high-current discharge was used to excite a KrF₂–Xe–N₂–Ar gas mixture. This resulted in lasing due to the B(v' = 0)–X(v'' = 3) transition in the XeF excimer (λ = 353 nm).