Ion-molecule processes in lasers

Three classes of molecular electronic transition lasers produced by hybrid pumping of high pressure rate gas mixtures are discussed. These are (1) rare gas dimer lasers (such as excited Ar2, Kr2, and Xe2) lasing in the VUV, (2) rare gas halide lasers or excimer lasers (such as KrF, ArF, and XeCl excimers) lasing in the UV, and (3) the charge transfer molecular ion laser (such as N2/+/) lasing in the visible range. Laser excitation methods and kinetic sequences are examined for these lasers.