Focal points

Lasers are produced with noble gases; are used in cell study; and are ‘steered’ by electronic means Laser action at more than 60 new wavelengths has been observed in a new class of gas ion laser. Four gaseous elements — argon, krypton, xenon, and neon — were used to achieve the action, which occurred in both the singly and doubly ionized states of these inert, or “noble” gases. Both pulsed- and continuous-wave operations were achieved.