Sensitive detection of optical discrete absorption and lasing of fused silica by the depopulation of the ground state

Ultraviolet light induced high resolution optical absorption spectra and resonance coherent fluorescence of spectroscopically pure fused silica have been studied, due to their potential applications in optoelectronics and laser flash spectroscopy for laboratory use, for optical fibers and for power optics for lasers. Ultraviolet discrete absorption spectra and resonance coherent fluorescence were recorded photographically between 200 and 260 nm. Resonance discrete and coherent fluorescence (i.e. lasing effect) were observed in the 250–255 nm band at room temperature by high photon flux excitation spectroscopy.