Theoretical studies involving candidate VIA laser systems

Theoretical studies supporting the Livermore photolytic Group VIA laser project were initiated early in 1977. Results of numerous theoretical studies which deal with the photolysis process, losses in the upper laser level and the photolytic pumps are described. Results of ab initio calculations on OCS were used to assign the electronic states and to analyze the photolysis process. Photoionization cross sections of the upper laser level were calculated for (O1S), S(1S) and Se(1S). Potential curves of S2(+) were determined in the search for possible quenching processes of the upper state potential energy curves of rare-gas excimer pumps and photoionization cross sections of the excimer states was determined.