Abstract
A report is given of the generation of high-power laser pulses, having an energy of 1.5 J and an efficiency of 20%, by exciting ammonia with CO2 laser radiation. The spectral and temporal characteristics of the NH3 laser were investigated. Discrete tuning of the frequency was obtained over a range 770–890 cm −1. A study was made of the mechanism by which the ammonia absorbed the pump radiation and a procedure was found for increasng the NH3 laser efficiency.