A lead‐vapor laser utilizing lead chloride as a lasant has been investigated. Lasing is attained by means of two consecutive electrical discharges. The maximum output is obtained at a vapor pressure of about 0.3 Torr at a temperature of 500°C, a time delay between electrical discharges of 150 &mgr;s, and an output mirror transmittance of 80%. The maximum energy density and power density are respectively 4 &mgr;J cm−3and 160 W cm−3.