Rotational Raman spectrum of nitric oxide

Abstract

The pure rotational Raman spectrum of nitric oxide has been recorded for the first time under high resolution. Analysis of the S-branch transitions yields values of 1.69614 cm−1 and 5.46 × 10−6 cm−1 for the rotational constants B0 and D0, respectively. A series of R-branch lines is observed and is shown to arise from transitions between levels in the 2Π3/2 substate. Some weaker R-branch lines arising from the 2Π1/2 state are also observed. A very weak feature approximately 120 cm−1 from the exciting line is interpreted as the 2Π3/2–2Π1/2 transition.