Stimulated emission from a plasma formed by a ruby laser with a phase conjugation system

An experimental investigation was made of the feasibility of lasing as a result of transitions in the Be II ion in an expanding laser plasma. Formation of a shock-compressed zone in the path of the expanding plasma resulted in stimulated emission due to 4d–3p, 4f–3d, and 4s–3p transitions in the Be II ion when the plasma was enclosed in an optical resonator. Measurements were made of the gain, divergence, and duration of laser pulses emitted by the plasma.