Stimulated emission spectrum of a CF4 laser in the 16μ range pumped by CO2 laser radiation

A theoretical analysis is made of existing experimental data on the stimulated emission spectrum of an optically pumped CF₄ laser. It is found that weak transitions with changes in the rotational angular momentum (ΔR=±1, ±2) play an important part in the excitation and emission of the CF₄ molecule. A model is proposed for the operation of a CF₄ laser based on the concept of coupled transitions and explaining the negligible role of rotational relaxation in the formation of the laser stimulated emission spectrum.