High resolution absorption spectrum of nitric oxide (NO) in the region of the first ionization limit

Abstract

The absorption spectrum of cold NO gas has been photographed at high resolution between 1400 and 1250 Å for two isotopic species. Resolved bands of the Rydberg series converging to vibrational levels of the 1Σ+ ground state of NO+ are studied. They include nf–X bands up to n = 15 and ns–X bands up to n = 11, all of which show sharp rotational structure. The higher members of the np–X series are generally very diffuse with only npσ being sufficiently sharp to show broadened rotational lines. Also mostly diffuse are the ndδ–X bands. The bands ndσ, π–X are not observed. The rapidly (n−3) narrowing structure of the nf complexes is discussed and the ionization energy [Formula: see text] accurately determined by extrapolation of selected rotational lines. Interactions between Rydberg states are numerous, s ~ d mixing produces a strong effect above n = 6 when (n + 1)s levels fuse with nl levels into 'supercomplexes'. Matrix elements are given for observed 8f ~ 9s and 6f ~ 6dδ interactions.Valence levels are not observed above the ionization energy, except for the repulsive state A′2Σ+ arising from the first dissociation limit and seemingly assuming Rydberg character at molecular internuclear distance. Observed anomalies are qualitatively discussed.