Knowledge Bank

A liquid nitrogen cooled CO plasma is used to drive overtone laser transitions $\Delta V=21$. More than 160 single lines have been observed starting from $v=15\to 13$ up to $v=37\to 35$, at a maximum J distribution from 6 to 15. Line selection occurs via a gold coated grating in Littrow mounting. Single line power level on the strongest transitions is 120 mW, from 100 cm of cooled length. The special features for optimum overtone lasing conditions of both discharge and cavity are presented and some possibilities of spectroscopic applications will be discussed.