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Metal-vapor lasers

Laser gain medium and type

Operation wavelength(s)

Pump source Applications and notes

Helium-cadmium (HeCd) metal-vapor laser

441nm 563nm 325nm

Printing and typesetting applications, fluorescence excitation examination (ie. in U.S. paper currency printing),

scientific research.

Helium-mercury (HeHg) metal-vapor laser

567nm 615 nm

Rare, scientific research, amateur laser

construction.

Helium-selenium (HeSe) metal-vapor laser

up to 24 wavelengths between red and

UV

Electrical discharge in metal vapor mixed with helium buffer gas.

Rare, scientific research, amateur laser

construction.

Copper vapor laser

510nm 578nm

Dermatological uses, high speed photography, pump for dye lasers.

Gold vapor laser

627nm

Electrical discharge

Rare, dermatological and photodynamic therapy uses.

Laser; Gold vapor laser Helium-cadmium Copper vapor laser