Stephen L. Knapp from Coherent, Inc will present a short talk on the theory of laser operation-CW, pulsed and ultra fast lasers will be discussed- along with applications for these different types of lasers. Emphasis will be on problem solving rather than highly technical theory of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Laser technologies presented will include diode pumped solid state, CO2, Ti:Sapphire, direct diode, excimer and ion. Applications discussed will include spectroscopy, multi photon excitation imaging, material processing and novel uses for lasers. Stephen will encourage dialog on specific applications that audience members are interested in, and will be available after the talk for more in depth conversations.

A large series of boron and/or nitrogen containing molecules and there potential use as high energy materials has been considered. The thermodynamic properties of these molecules have been predicted via several ab initio methods and a couple density functional methods. The results indicate that most of these molecules will make suitable potential high energy materials from thermodynamic considerations alone. Diboryne seems to be the best candidate for a new potential high energy material as evidenced by its very negative specific enthalpy of combustion of -166 kJ per mole.