An extended application of the magnetron sputtering discharge is described. The discharge, called a magnetically confined discharge in the experiments, is pumped in a pulse mode to produce and excite copper vapor atoms for laser operation. Copper atom densities adequate for laser action (∼1014cm−3) are obtained in the discharge at temperatures below 400 K. Laser operation is expected in the experimental apparatus with fast‐rise pulse pumping. ©1996 American Institute of Physics.