A new technique for pumping uv laser transitions is described. The technique consists of using an intense 10.6‐&mgr; laser pulse to drive a diffuse discharge in a preionized uv laser medium. Because of its fast rise time, high electron density, and ability to operate at high pressure, this discharge is well suited to pumping uv laser transitions. Experimental results are shown for the application of this technique to the 3371‐Å transition in nitrogen. A diffuse discharge at atmospheric pressure was obtained, and an intense pulse of 3371‐Å radiation was observed.