Superfluorescence in N2 and H2 electron-beam-stabilized discharges

Abstract
Previous N2 and H2 electronic transition lasers have been limited to short pulse durations (10−9–10−7 sec). Using an electron‐beam‐stabilized discharge in argon, nitrogen (or hydrogen), and hydrogen fluoride mixtures, we have observed repetitive superfluorescent pulses lasting 5–20 μsec. Optical‐cavity measurements verify that optical gain is present throughout the pulse duration at wavelengths in the nitrogen first‐ and second‐positive band systems and in a hydrogen near‐infrared band system. It is believed that HF serves to maintain a population inversion for a longer period of time by providing preferential collisional deactivation of the lower laser levels.