Iodine monofluoride B 3Π(0+)→X 1Σ+ lasing from collisionally pumped states

An optically pumped IF laser operating on the B 3Π(0+)→X 1Σ+ transition has been studied. Vibrational levels v′=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of IF(B) were pumped by a dye laser pulse and lasing was observed both from the level pumped and from lower levels populated as a result of collisions with bath gas molecules. Time delays from 0.5 to 3.0 μs were observed between termination of the pump pulse on v′=5 and lasing out of v′=0. The longer delays result from slower vibrational relaxation at lower pressures. The stable nature of v′=0 reservoir indicates that the B–X electronic transition is very attractive as a potential chemical laser system.