Optically pumped far infrared molecular lasers: spectroscopic and application aspects

Optical pumping of molecular vapours has proved to be a valuable technique for the generation of coherent emission of radiation in the far infrared (FIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this review article we discuss various aspects of FIR lasers optically pumped by a CO2 laser. We mainly focus on the molecular aspects and the characteristics of the active media. The major active media are discussed in terms of molecular properties. In addition, the applications of FIR lasers in various fields of science and technology are discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.