Abstract
An analysis of laser systems involving the auroral and transauroral transitions of photolytically excited column‐VIA elements is given. Excitation mechanisms, kinetic processes, and collisionally stimulated radiation are examined. Photolytic production of the VIA 1S metastable using rare‐gas excimer radiation is emphasized. Oxygen at 5577 Å, sulfur at 7727 and 4589 Å, and possibly selenium at 4888 Å appear as attractive candidates suitable for high‐energy‐storage short‐pulse applications.