Measurement of gain on the XeF (C-A) blue-green band

Transient gain has been observed on the C→A transition of XeF*. Measurements made at 488.0 and 475.9 nm showed a peak gain of 8% through a short cell filled with Ar/Xe/NF3 mixtures and excited by a short electron-beam pulse. A stimulated emission cross section of 5×10−18 cm2 is derived, consistent with the measured linewidth and radiative lifetime of the C-A transition. Weaker amplification was observed at 514.5 nm.