The properties and kinetics of singlet delta oxygen (SDO)
metastables in discharge plasma, which are important for the development
of the discharge excited oxygen-iodine laser, are discussed. A short
description is given of available experimental activity in the development
of SDO generators. Specific requirements to the SDO discharge generator
are reported. The capability of different kinds of discharge to meet these
requirements is evaluated. Issues are discussed which are important for
the study of SDO kinetics in more detail, including processes involving
individual electronic-vibrational states.