Single-Frequency Operation of the Argon-Ion Laser at 5145 Å

A simple technique for obtaining highly stable, high-power single-mode emission from an argon-ion laser at 5145 Å is described. The technique relies upon, among other factors, the simultaneous oscillation of the 4880 Å transition. We have observed that the spectral output envelope of the laser emission at either 4880 Å or 5145 Å is noticeably modified when both wavelengths oscillate at the same time.