Optically pumped atomic mercury photodissociation laser

Abstract
We have generated superfluorescent laser action in atomic mercury at 0.546 and 0.365 μm by optically pumping Hg2 with 0.266‐μm radiation. Superfluorescent thresholds were observed at less than 6 mJ/cm2 input energy density in a 5‐nsec pulse for an atomic mercury density greater than 3×1018 cm−3.