An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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A process in which light energy is used to raise electrons from a lower energy level in an atom or molecule to a higher one. It is commonly used in laser construction, to pump the active laser medium so as to achieve population inversion. The technique was developed by 1966 Nobel Prize winner Alfred Kastler in the early 1950's.

→ optical; → pumping.

The act or process of pumping. → optical pumping.

Verbal noun of → pump.