The possibility of high-energy-storage lasers using the auroral and transauroral transitions of column-VI elements

Abstract

An analysis of laser systems involving the auroral and transauroral transitions of photolytically excited column-VIA elements is given. Excitation mechanisms, kinetic processes, and collisionally stimulated radiation are examined. Photolytic production of the VIA 1S metastable using rare-gas excimer radiation is emphasized. Oxygen at 5577 Å, sulfur at 7727 and 4589 Å, and possibly selenium at 4888 Å appear as attractive candidates suitable for high-energy-storage short-pulse applications.