Explosively pumped laser - preliminary study of popolation inversion in a detonation zone

This study describes the results from experiments on detonating lead azide, where the residue are studied spectroscopically. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibilities of achieving lasing in the residues from a detonation. The experiments shows that a detonation can excite atoms to energy levels suitable for lasing. Using a detonation to achieve electron excitation is one of the few possible ways to make a high energy chemical laser working in the ultra violet or the visible spectrum. To set this study in its context, a brief exposition of the current status regarding tactical and strategical laser weapons is given.