Fine and hyperfine interactions of PbF studied by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy

Area of Science:

• Molecular Spectroscopy
• Quantum Chemistry
• Atomic and Molecular Physics

Background:

• Fine and hyperfine interactions govern molecular behavior.
• Previous studies on PbF provided limited spectroscopic data.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for theoretical chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate fine and hyperfine interactions in PbF isotopologues.
• To determine precise molecular constants for the B²Σ⁺ and X²Π_1/2 states.
• To analyze the significance of hyperfine parameters in ²⁰⁷PbF.

Main Methods:

• Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy was employed.
• A cold PbF molecular beam was generated using laser ablation and jet-cooling.
• Spectra were analyzed using a global fit incorporating previous data.

Main Results:

• Rotational, fine structure, and hyperfine structure resolution were achieved.
• Molecular constants for ground and excited states were derived.
• Hyperfine parameters A_⊥ and A_‖ for ²⁰⁷PbF were discussed.

Conclusions:

• The study provides accurate molecular constants for PbF isotopologues.
• The derived parameters refine understanding of electronic and nuclear interactions.
• This work contributes to the detailed characterization of lead fluoride.