Laser action in selected compounds containing C, N, and H or D

Laser action was found in electrical discharge containing carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen or deuterium in their elemental forms. The wavelengths of oscillation observed were the same as those associated in the literature as resulting from transitions within rotation and vibrational states of the CN radical. Different wavelengths were observed when deuterium gas was substituted for hydrogen. No laser action was observed if neither hydrogen nor deuterium was present in the discharge, confirming that the active species is not the CN radical. Several organic compounds and combinations of organic and inorganic compounds were also tried. New lines were observed at 193.8, 198.8, 281, and 291 microns.