Experimental and theoretical investigation of a pulsed laser utilizing the CF4 molecule

An experimental investigation was made of the characteristics of a pulsed CF₄ laser at high pump power densities. A radiation intensity of 0.5 MW/cm² was obtained at a frequency of 615 cm^–1 when the pump power conversion efficiency was 12%. Calculations are made of the laser parameters using steady-state and complete models. It is found that two-photon processes may play a decisive role in the lasing mechanism. The feasibility of using amplifiers to improve the radiation power in the 16μ range is determined.