THE $4f-\Lambda^{2}\Sigma^{+}$ (1,1) BAND OF NO USING OPTICAL-OPTICAL DOUBLE RESONANCE MULTIPHOTON IONIZATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The $4f-A^{2}\Sigma^{+} (3\delta\sigma)$ (1,1) band of $^{14}N^{16}O$ has been observed by the technique of optical-optical double resonance multiphoton ionization (OODR-MPI). Results confirm the pure case (d) nature of the $4f \upsilon=1$ level reported by previous workers. Analysis of our results yields values of $B_{\upsilon=1}=1.968 cm^{-1}$ and $\alpha_{c} = 0.020 cm^{-1}$ for the 4f state. Our observation of this transition suggests the presence of a significant amount of d character in the lowest member of the ns series, $(3\delta\sigma)\Lambda^{2}\Sigma^{+}$ state, of the NO molecule. Further theoretical and experimental work are necessary to access the importance of this d character in its contribution towards the intensity of this band.