Anomalous Behavior of the Competition Between the Lasering Transitions of the Argon Ion Laser

A wavelength-selective feedback modulation scheme was devised to study the competitive behavior of the lasering transitions in the argon ion laser and to determine the coupling relationships, radiative as well as collisional, between the inverted states of the ion. By means of monitoring cross modulation on lasering lines, spontaneous transitions, and discharge current, the interdependence of the lasering transitions was determined. Whereas lasering transitions which share common energy levels, upper or lower, are expected to compete adversely with each other, it was found that under certain conditions the contrary takes place.