Abstract

We report observations of a diffuse UV sodium molecular emission in the 369-382-nm region. It is ascribed to a Na₂ bound-free (³Λ_s′-a³Σ_u⁺) transition. This band system is very similar to the Na₂ violet band (λ = 416-457 nm)^1-3 and the K₂ yellow band (λ = 560-580 nm).⁴ It has been suggested that such bound-free bands might be useful in the production of tunable high-power lasers.⁵ In fact, observations of spontaneous amplified emission² and gain³ have recently been reported in the Na₂ violet bands. Thus the presently observed band system could be potentially attractive for laser action in the UV region.

© 1985 Optical Society of America