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This invention relates to a continuous wave, chemical laser. More particularly, this invention relates to a chemically pumped, atomic iodine laser in which the lasing action occurs by reason of an energy transfer reaction between iodine and the delta metastable state of oxygen. The recent development of systems capable of generating and amplifying coherent electromagnetic energy in the optical frequency range has created a considerable amount of interest in utilizing such systems for a variety of military, navigation, communication and heating applications. In order to produce the desired energy, or lasing action, the systems employ an optically active component from which the coherent electromagnetic energy is extracted by means of a phenomenon called population inversion. The optically active component possesses an unstable energy state capable of releasing photons as they decay to lower energy states. Accordingly, the primary object of this invention is to provide a system for the production of a continuous wave lasing action. Another object of this invention is to provide a lasing system in which the requisite population inversion is accomplished through the medium of a chemical reaction with no external power source required. Still another object of this invention is to provide a lasing system that operates at short wavelengths. A further object of this invention is to provide a chemically pumped electronic transition laser. Still a further object of this invention is to provide an atomic iodine laser that operates at 1315 nanometers wavelength with continuous power.