Continuous wave /CW/ optical resonance transfer lasers /ORTL/

Recent developments in the ORTL technology are reviewed with reference to several demonstration experiments. Both intermolecular and intramolecular systems have been demonstrated. The intermolecular systems discussed include 10.6-micron DF/CO/sub 2/, 10.8-micron DF/N/sub 2/O, 4.1-micron DF/HBr, 3.8-micron HF/DF, and 3.85-micron HF/HCN. The intramolecular systems include 2.9-micron HF/HF and 3.9-micron DF/DF. The experiments have shown the advantages of ORTL systems such as large vibrational excitation, high small signal gain, nondissociative excitation, and wavelength agility.