Feasibility of construction of a quasi-cw laser utilizing 7s–6p transitions in mercury pumped by ionizing radiation

A study was made of the mechanism of filling the levels of Hg I atoms by pumping with ionizing radiation. An estimate was obtained of the rate constant representing quenching of the 7³S₁ state by hydrogen molecules (k_q ≈ 4×10^–11 cm³/sec). It was concluded that (He)–Xe–Hg–H₂(D₂) mixtures were suitable as active media for mercury lasers emitting in the visible range.