Efficient laser action on the 342-nm band of molecular iodine using ArF laser pumping

Strong laser action on the 342-nm band of I2 has been obtained by transverse pumping I2/SF6 mixtures at 193 nm with an ArF laser. The highest output energy obtained was 230 mJ at an intrinsic energy conversion efficiency of approximately 30% equivalent to a photon efficiency of greater than 50%.