Experimental study of the NaK 3 3Pi double minimum state.

Area of Science:

• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Quantum Chemistry
• Atomic Physics

Background:

• The 3 (3)Pi state of NaK exhibits a double minimum potential due to avoided crossing with the 4 (3)Pi state.
• Understanding this complex electronic structure is crucial for molecular spectroscopy and quantum chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the vibrational, rotational, and hyperfine structure of the 3 (3)Pi double minimum state in NaK.
• To probe the electronic wave function in different regions of the double well potential.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Doppler-free, perturbation-facilitated optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy.
• Employed single-mode continuous-wave (cw) dye and Ti:sapphire lasers for excitation.
• Analyzed fluorescence spectra to detect rovibrational levels.

Main Results:

• Determined a 3 (3)Pi(0) potential curve accurately reproducing experimental energies to within 0.24 cm(-1).
• Characterized vibrational, rotational, and hyperfine structures within the double minimum potential.
• Quantified hyperfine (b(F)) and spin-orbit (A(v)) constants across different potential regions.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed characterization of the NaK 3 (3)Pi state's complex structure.
• The findings offer insights into the electronic wave function and interatomic interactions in the double well potential.
• The determined potential curve and constants serve as valuable data for theoretical and experimental molecular physics.