Characterization of the [18.42]0+ – X1Σ+ (0, 0) band of tantalum nitride, TaN

Abstract

High resolution laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of the [18.42]0+ − X1Σ+ (0,0) band of tantalum nitride, TaN, near 543nm, have been recorded and analyzed field-free and in the presence of a static electric field. The nuclear electric quadrupole hyperfine structure due to 181Ta(I=7/2) was resolved and analysis of the field-free spectrum yielded nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants, eQq0, of −0.24025(75)cm−1 and −0.05755(76)cm−1 for the X1Σ+ and [18.42]0+ states, respectively. The Stark tuning of the R(0) and P(1) lines was analyzed to determine the magnitude of the molecular frame electric dipole moments, |μ→el|, of 3.33(4)D and 4.48(3)D for the X1Σ+ and [18.42]0+ states, respectively. The |μ→el| and eQq0 values are discussed in terms of predicted molecular orbitals for the X1Σ+ and [18.42]0+ states.