Halogen transfer laser method and means are disclosed employing a dilute mixture of molecular halogen vapor in high pressure noble gas. Noble gas atoms and molecules are excited by use of electrons to high energy metastable and/or excimer states. Collisional and/or radiative transfer of electronic excitation from the excited noble gas atoms and molecules to the lasing halogen molecules takes place for excitation of halogen molecules to upper ionic states in sufficient number to establish a population inversion in the electronic energy levels thereof for lasing. In addition to halogens, halogen-bearing compounds which dissociate and appropriately recombine to provide diatomic halogen for lasing also may be used. The laser is tunable over an electromagnetic energy range which includes ultraviolet radiation. Operation at high peak power levels with high efficiency is possible.