CD2-STAR AS A 470-NM ABSORBER

Multiconfiguration self-consistent-field calculations have been carried out on all the valence states, low-lying rydberg states, and charge-transfer states of Cd2. Like the other Group IIb dimers studied thus far, the lowest excimer level was found to be a 3Πg metastable state that acts as a reservoir for molecular excitation energy. Strong absorptions between this reservoir state and a bound 3Πu charge-transfer state are predicted in the vicinity of 470 nm. Weaker, but still significant absorptions, are predicted between the laser state ( 3Σ+u) and a repulsive 3Σ+g state at the same wavelength. The predicted absorptions could seriously impair laser applications of Cd 2 and CdHg.