Experiments on 558-nm argon oxide laser system

Vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photolysis of N2O immersed in high-pressure Ar has been used to produce O(1S0) at high density. A two-chamber apparatus was used to prevent the effects of electron and ion collision in the experimental volume, thereby providing a much clearer kinetic situation. The gain profile and stimulated emission cross section near 558 nm and the upper-state lifetime were determined for ArO.