An electric dipole moment is induced in homonuclear molecules during collisions, allowing radiative transitions which are otherwise forbidden. This effect, coupled with high‐pressure electrical excitation, may be used to achieve laser action in a homonuclear gas. Properties of this type laser include a very broad gain bandwidth and a new type of partial inversion. A mixture of H2and Xe is analyzed as a prospective system wherein efficiencies of about 20% are predicted for picosecond pulses at 2.8 &mgr;m.