Evolution of a CO2-laser-produced cadmium plasma

Abstract
The evolution of a CO2‐laser‐produced cadmium plasma formed in the presence of a background gas at low pressure is described. The processes which give rise to plasma formation, spectral emission, expansion, and internal structure are discussed. The suitability of such a plasma as a potential laser medium is considered and some of the most likely and least likely regions and conditions for achieving gain are identified.