Cascade laser emission of optically pumped Na2 molecules

Abstract
First continuous laser oscillation at wavelengths around 2.5 μm and 1.9 μm/0.9 μm on C 1πu →(3) 1Σ+g →B 1πu/A 1Σ+u cascade transitions of Na2 has been obtained. The C 1πu state is optically pumped with cw krypton and argon ion lasers at wavelengths in the range of 333–351 nm. Gain contributions due to coherent two-photon and three-photon processes are involved.