Stimulated rotational Raman scattering from para-H_2 pumped by a CO_2 TEA laser

Abstract

We have observed stimulated rotational Raman scattering (SRRS) from para-H(2) pumped by a CO(2) TEA laser operating on the strong P- and R-branch transitions of both the 9.4- and 10.6-microm bands. Small signal gain for the Stokes wave in excess of 80 dB has been obtained for TEM(00) pump powers of 8.5 MW in a multiple-pass gain cell cooled to liquid-nitrogen temperatures.