Enhancement of NF(b1Σ+) by iodine laser pumping

Abstract
A peak density of electronically excited free radical NF(b1Σ+) of 5.6×10−10 mol/cm3 has been produced in a subsonic flow by means of intracavity pulsed iodine laser pumping of ground‐state iodine atoms and subsequent energy transfer of this electronic energy to NF(a1Δ) free radicals. This concentration represents a 30‐fold increase over previously reported steady‐state concentrations and supports the promise of the NF(b1Σ+) species as a potential laser candidate.