This joint research project brings together research teams from the UK, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. The common theme is short wavelength lasers. These teams together create a powerful source of expertise in areas of excimer laser development, ultra-short pulse techniques, stimulated scattering, parametric processes and molecular dynamics. The objective of this project is to use this pool of expertise to develop and extend the capabilities of generation of laser radiation in the UV, VUV and X-ray regions of the spectrum. Specifically, these objectives will be furthered by the letting of two contracts to the NIS partners. The Ukrainian team will undertake a theoretical study of the gain dynamics of the KrF molecule which will lead to a better understanding of the behaviour of this very important UV laser medium when amplifying ultra-short pulses. The Russian partners will undertake an experimental study which will involve the development of new techniques for ultra-short pulse generation together with the generation of new wavelengths using stimulated scattering and parametric processes.