High-power efficient optically pumped NH₃ laser, tunable over the range 770–890 cm ^–1

A report is given of the generation of high-power laser pulses, having an energy of 1.5 J and an efficiency of 20<i>%</i>, by exciting ammonia with CO₂ laser radiation. The spectral and temporal characteristics of the NH₃ laser were investigated. Discrete tuning of the frequency was obtained over a range 770–890 cm ^–1. A study was made of the mechanism by which the ammonia absorbed the pump radiation and a procedure was found for increasng the NH₃ laser efficiency.