Identification of the High-Lying Pi Component of NiF by Laser-Induced Fluorescence

The laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum of jet-cooled NiF has been studied in the range 435-570 nm. Eight electronic transitions, involving four high-lying Pi components and two lower states, the ground state X(2)Pi(3/2), and the low-lying state [0.25](2)Sigma, respectively, have been recorded. Two new Pi components are identified for the first time and their rotational constants are determined. The [20.4]Pi(3/2) component is assigned as the v'=1 level of the previously known [19.7](2)Pi(3/2) state. The [20.3]Pi(3/2) component may be linked to the component of an unreported quartet state. The previously reported [20.0](2)Pi(1/2) component is reassigned as a subcomponent of (2)Delta. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.