Abstract

The UV nitrogen laser is the vibronic laser. It is based on the three levels pumping scheme. The lifetime (radiative) of the C state is shorter than that of the B state. Therefore, the laser can be excited on a pulsed basis on the understanding that the electrical pulse is appreciably shorter than 40ns. The direct electron impact excitation appears to be the dominant mode of excitation. Then, thanks to the rate equations involving the population densities of the upper and lower laser levels, we can determine theorically optimum electron energise (Te)opt, optimum population inversion (AN)opt, optimum value of ratio (E/P)opt.