The performance of Diode Pumped Alkali Lasers (DPAL) depends critically on both collisionally broadened linehapes and rates for fine structure mixing. The first four potential surfaces for K, Rb, and Cs interactions with rare gases have been computed at the MCSCF/MR SOCI level. These surfaces are then used to compute scattering matrix elements for the spin-orbit relaxation, yielding temperature dependent cross-sections. Theoretical predictions are compared to recent experimental results. The observed fine structure mixing rates for rare gas collisions are interpreted in terms of collision adiabaticity. For molecular partners, ro-vibrational energy appears to dominate the mechanism.

Date Published: 7 May 2012
PDF: 11 pages
Proc. SPIE 8381, Laser Technology for Defense and Security VIII, 83810A (7 May 2012); doi: 10.1117/12.920586

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8381:
Laser Technology for Defense and Security VIII
Mark Dubinskii; Stephen G. Post, Editor(s)