Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol.103, No.15, 6459-6466, 1995
A Multichannel Quantum-Defect Fit to the N-Asterisk=6-8 Core-Penetrating S-Similar-to-P-Similar-to-D Supercomplexes of Caf
The spectrum of the core-penetrating s, p, and d Rydberg series of calcium monofluoride between n*=6 and 8 have been analyzed using multichannel quantum defect theory (MQDT). From least-squares fits of the n*=6, 7, and 8 (-) Kronig symmetry p similar to d supercomplexes we have determined B+ (the rotational constant of CaF+) to be 0.3729 cm(-1), the mixing coefficients between the p pi and d pi series (the 0.98 II series is 41% p and 59% d while the 0.35 Pi series is 41% d and 59% p), and the eigenchannel (rotationless) quantum defects of the 0.98 Pi, 0.35 Pi, and 0.14 Delta series. A similar MQDT fit was attempted for the (+) Kronig symmetry s similar to p similar to d supercomplexes, but the mixing coefficients for the sigma series could not be determined even though the mixing coefficients for the pi series were as well determined as in the fit to the (-) symmetry series. The failure of the s similar to p similar to d model to fit the (+) symmetry series, particularly the sigma series, is an indication that, for the (+) symmetry series, mixing of the s(s)igma, p sigma, and d sigma series with the f sigma series must be considered. Experiments are currently under way to observe and characterize the f sigma, pi, delta, gamma series so that an s similar to p similar to d similar to f supercomplex model can be developed for the (+) symmetry series.