Charge transfer in H+-Na (3p) collisions: a possible ultraviolet laser mechanism

Abstract
The authors have computed cross sections for charge transfer from excited 3p-state Na atoms to H+ ions, using both atomic-orbital and molecular-orbital expansions. They find large cross sections for capture into the 2p state of hydrogen. They suggest that laser excitation of Na (3p), followed by electron transfer to H+ ions, should be reconsidered as a possible ultraviolet laser mechanism, based on the Ly- alpha line of hydrogen.