Potential energy surfaces for the interactions of excited Rb and Cs atoms with methane

Michael C. Heaven

doi:10.1117/12.912930

24 February 2012 Potential energy surfaces for the interactions of excited Rb and Cs atoms with methane

Michael C. Heaven

Proceedings Volume 8238, High Energy/Average Power Lasers and Intense Beam Applications VI; Atmospheric and Oceanic Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves VI; 823808 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.912930
Event: SPIE LASE, 2012, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Diode pumped alkali vapor lasers (DPAL's) rely on collisional energy transfer to move population from the optically pumped level (²P_3/2) to the upper level of the laser transition (²P1/2). Small hydrocarbon molecules such as methane and ethane have proved to be very effective transfer agents. It is thought that the primary mechanism is electronic-to-rotational (E-R) energy transfer, but this has yet to be proven. In the present study we use electronic structure calculations to determine the potential energy surfaces for Rb(²P) and Cs(2P) interacting with methane. These surfaces may be used to estimate the probabilities for transfer by E-R exchange and by surface hopping at the seams of intersection between potential energy surfaces. We have also examined the influence that interactions with CH₄ have on the ²P-²S transition moments. This is a preliminary step towards understanding the enhanced far-wing optical absorption cross-sections that have been observed in alkali metal/ rare gas/ hydrocarbon mixtures.

Citation Download Citation

Michael C. Heaven "Potential energy surfaces for the interactions of excited Rb and Cs atoms with methane", Proc. SPIE 8238, High Energy/Average Power Lasers and Intense Beam Applications VI; Atmospheric and Oceanic Propagation of Electromagnetic Waves VI, 823808 (24 February 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.912930

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