Analysis of the feasibility of stimulated emission of vacuum ultraviolet radiation from an electron-beam-pumped helium dimer

An analysis is made of the feasibility of constructing a plasma laser utilizing a transition in the H$^*_2$ molecule to the ground repulsive state (81.5 nm) pumped by an electron beam. The results of numerical calculations based on a detailed self-consistent model of relaxation of a helium plasma are used. In the case of a favorable (so far unknown) ratio of the H$^*_2$ photodissociation and photoionization cross sections the self-excitation threshold may be attained under conditions close to the limit of present-day technical capabilities.