Investigation of lasing due to the 3p–3s neon transitions pumped by a radioisotope-preionized self-sustained discharge

The development of an electric-discharge laser in the visible range with alpha-particle preionization is reported for the first time. Results of investigations of lasing due to the 3p–3s transitions in neon atoms at λ = 540.1 and 585.2 nm are presented. It is suggested that Ar⁴² may be added to an He–Ne–H₂ mixture to achieve volume radioisotopic preionization in a λ = 585.2 nm laser.