Patent ID: 7283576
Filing Date: 2007-10-16
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. An optically-pumped atomic vapor laser (OPAVL) comprising: a gaseous laser gain medium, wherein said gain medium comprises a mixture that includes a group IIB atomic vapor combined with at least one buffer gas; a laser cavity with a high reflectivity, or Q-factor, at two wavelengths dictated by the choice of said group IIB atomic vapor, an internal “idler” wavelength and the deep ultraviolet (DUV) output wavelength of the first electric-dipole-allowed resonance transition, wherein said gaseous medium is operatively located in said laser cavity; a first pump laser configured to provide a first pump laser beam of radiation having a first pump wavelength substantially matching the wavelength of a first pump transition of said group IIB atomic vapor; a second pump laser configured to provide a second pump laser beam of radiation having a second pump wavelength substantially matching the wavelength of a second pump transition of said group IIB atomic vapor; and means for directing said first pump laser beam and said second pump laser beam into said gaseous laser medium.