Laser action of C,N, O,F, Cl,and Br in hollow cathode discharges

C, N, O, F, Cl, and Br red and infrared laser emission was investigated using hollow cathode discharges in gas mixtures of helium and molecules containing the corresponding atoms. A total of 33 laser lines with wavelengths from 0.7 to 2.0m was observed. Three laser lines of atomic C, five laser lines of atomic N, two laser lines of atomic Cl and five laser lines of atomic Br were observed for the first time. Dissociation charge transfer and dissociative excitation transfer are suggested as being responsible for populating the upper laser levels.