Rate equations for an optically-pumped,far infrared laser

Rate equations for an optically-pumped, far infrared laser are developed and solved for the case of a high intensity, pulsed pump beam. Conditions for saturated absorption and for saturated stimulated emission are established. A comparison is made to experimental data for absorption of 9.55 μm, CO₂ laser radiation in CH₃F. Generalized requirements for efficient, high power, FIR laser oscillator-amplifier systems are discussed.