A theoretical analysis of mercury molecules

A theoretical analysis of experimental observations on bound–free electronic transitions in mercury molecules is presented. Potential curves and A values are derived for these transitions and the possibility of emission from a mercury trimer is also discussed briefly. These data are then used to produce a simple model for an optically pumped 335 nm mercury laser. A table is given which predicts the small signal gain at 335 nm as a function of temperature, density, and the excimer density in the vapor.