Vibrational energy level population in optically pumped AgCI vapor

Area of Science:

• Molecular physics
• Laser science
• Quantum electronics

Background:

• Laser oscillation typically requires population inversion between electronic states.
• Diatomic molecules possess vibrational energy levels within electronic states that can be manipulated.
• Previous studies have established lifetimes for relevant energy levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel process for achieving laser oscillation in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum.
• To explore the potential of utilizing vibrational energy levels in diatomic molecules for laser applications.
• To compute population distributions across vibrational energy levels under specific experimental conditions.

Main Methods:

• A Lyman discharge tube pulse was directed through silver chloride (AgCl) vapor.
• Absorption and subsequent fluorescence were induced in the AgCl vapor.
• Analysis of the output pulse and known lifetimes were used to calculate energy level populations.

Main Results:

• Population inversions were computed for eight vibrational energy levels.
• No population inversion was observed between the two electronic states of the diatomic molecule.
• Significant population inversions (5 x 10^9 mol/cm^3) were detected between pairs of vibrational levels within the same electronic state.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates population inversion within vibrational levels of a single electronic state, a prerequisite for certain laser types.
• Achieving UV laser oscillation through this method requires further investigation into optimizing conditions for vibrational level inversion.
• The findings contribute to understanding population dynamics in diatomic molecules and their potential for novel laser sources.