Where sunlight shines on the atmosphere of Mars, carbon dioxide molecules at an altitude of about 75 km undergo natural laser action. The energy levels involved in the action are shown in Fig. 40-26; population inversion occurs between energy levels E2 and E1.
(a) What wavelength of sunlight excites the molecules in the lasing action?
(b) At what wavelength does lasing occur?
(c) In what region of the electromagnetic spectrum do the excitation and lasing wavelengths lie?

Transcribed Image Text:

E2 0.289 eV E 0.165 eV 0