Knowledge Bank

The pure rotational spectra of ScO (X$2\Sigma +$) have been recorded in the 4 - 90 GHz range using Fourier transform microwave/millimeter (FTM/mmW) techniques. This species was created in a supersonic jet expansion of laser-ablated scandium vapor and N$2$O gas, diluted in argon. The N = 1 $\to$ 0 and 2 $\to$ 1 rotational transitions in both v = 0 and 1 have been measured near 30 and 61 GHz, respectively. The data over 60 GHz were obtained using a new E-band (60 - 90 GHz) FTmmW spectrometer system. The data have been analyzed, and rotational, fine, and hyperfine constants have been determined, which are in good agreement with those from past optical studies. ScO is a potential circumstellar molecule in giant/supergiant stars, where it is produced in oxygen-burning nucleosynthesis.