Abstract: An infrared (IR) radiation source (20, 50) includes an envelope (22), at least a portion (26) of which is IR transmissive, and a molecular gas species (23), contained in the envelope, which gas species is thermally excited to emit IR radiation in a discrete spectrum characteristic of the species, substantially without heating the envelope.

Abstract: A laser with microwave excitation includes a source of microwave radiation coupled to a microwave resonator. The resonator is configured such that the microwave radiation generates an oscillating electric-field perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the resonator corresponding to the first longitudinal resonator mode standing wave pattern. An excitation cavity, housing at least one gas discharge conduit, is coupled to the microwave resonator along a major portion of the cavity's length. The excitation cavity is configured to be below cutoff.

Abstract: A source of IR-radiation, having an enclosure defining between its walls a sealed-off, electrode-less chamber, the walls having at least one portion transparent to IR-radiation, and the chamber containing a gas mixture of at least one, molecular, IR-active gas, of at least one buffer gas and of at least one noble gas. A method for producing a source of IR-radiation is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A laser comprising an RF matching unit having an RF power input and an RF power output, an optical cavity including electrode apparatus extending along the optical cavity, receiving the RF power output and defining a discharge gap having a gaseous lasing medium disposed therein, the RF power output being operative to produce a population inversion in the gaseous lasing medium, and an arrangement for providing direct fluid cooling contact with the electrode apparatus generally along its entire extent.