Continuous wave optically pumped iodine monofluoride B 3Π(0+) → X 1Σ+ laser

A continuous wave optically pumped iodine monofluoride laser operating on the B 3Π(0+) → X 1Σ+ system is described. The laser operated on a series of rovibronic lines originating from v′=2–5. By tuning the dye laser pump source over a single rovibronic line, spectral structure was produced on the IF laser output that was analyzed and found to be consistent with hyperfine structure in IF. Hyperfine coupling constants were determined in this analysis. Implications for a chemically pumped IF laser are also presented.