Analysis of the possibility of lasing on the third continuum in argon

The possibility of lasing on the third continuum in argon was studied theoretically. This possibility is considered from the point of view of two hypotheses on the nature of the third continua, which have survived through the mid-1990s. The gain was calculated under conditions when the oscillation is most probable, namely, in the pressure range between 1 and 30 bar for specific pump power in the range 10{sup -3}-10 MW cm{sup -3} bar{sup -1}. The gain is shown to be negative under the above conditions and, hence, lasing cannot be achieved. (active media)