Algebraic methods for molecular rotation-vibration spectra

Abstract Algebraic techniques similar to those recently introduced in nuclear physics may be useful in the treatment of molecular Spectra. A spectrum generating algebra appropriate to diatomic molecules is constructed. This algebra, U(4), is the simplest generalization to 3-D of the algebra of the 1-D Morse oscillator and a simplification of the U(6)algebra of nuclear rotation-vibration spectra.