Theoretical study of the potential energy curves of the series of diatomic radicals MeIIX. I. Method and its application to BeF radical

A method for calculating potential energy curves of some low lying states of the diatomic radicals Me_IIX (Me_II = second group metal, X = halogen) is outlined. Because of the electronic structure of these compounds, applications to electronic transition lasers can be made. The first calculation regards the most simple example of this series, i.e. the BeF radical. The division of the procedure into separated steps allows a sure control of the quality of the results.