Investigation of Diatomic Cesium as a Laser Medium by Absorption and Fluorescence Spectroscopy.
Abstract
The potential of Cs2 as a candidate for a high efficiency laser has been examined using absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of the Cs2 molecule has been measured over the wavelength range of 0.8 - 1.3 microns. The observed spectra, taken from 182 C to 325 C, were interpreted as both allowed and normally forbidden transitions. Based on the Classical Franck-Condon Principle, the temperature dependence of the absorption of the allowed transition for the wavelength range 0.9 - 1.21 microns was used to determine the potential energy curve for the allowed transition state. Also, the potential curve for the forbidden transition state was estimated. The fluorescence of Cs2 was observed for temperatures between 225 C and 360 C with a xenon buffer gas density ranging from zero to 5 x 10 to the 19th power/cm. The spectra were normalized to the atomic line emission via the CsXe red wing of the 0.894 micron line of Cs. The normalized emission was used to calculate the stimulated emission coefficient per excited Cs atom. On the basis of these experiments, gain could possibly be achieved for a 15% atomic inversion. The variations of the integrated normalized emission spectra with xenon density were used to quantify the important kinetic rate constants. There definitely appears to be quenching and predissociation from the a(3)pi to the x(3)sigma state. As a result, most of the molecules formed into the either the a(1)sigma or a(3)pi are lost through the x(3)sigma. Thus, Cs2 appears to be a less viable laser candidate than the other alkali dimers such as Na2. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046354
Entities
People
- Rettig Palmer Benedict Jr
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology