Experimental data for the iodine photodissociation laser are presented over the following ranges of operating conditions: CF3I pressure, 0.4–500 Torr; argon pressures, 5–200 Torr; and flash energy, 225–1764 J. Peak powers of 400 W and optimal gains of 45 dB/m were observed. The experimental results for CF3I pressures less than 200 Torr and for the first 25 &mgr;sec of lasing action are within 10&percent; of the predictions from a four‐level kinetic model of the laser. These results indicate the utility of kinetic models for describing pumping, radiative, and collisional processes.