Laser excitation spectrum of PbO: Rotational analysis of the a(1)-X(0+) system

A flashlamp-pumped tunable dye laser has been used to investigate the a-X band system of PbO. Spectra with resolution adequate for rotational analysis were obtained by exciting a-X photoluminescence with the laser operating at a bandwidth of 0.2 cm^?1. The (3,1) and (4,1) bands have been rotationally analyzed, providing the rotational constants B₃ = 0.2389 ± 0.0002 cm^?1 and B₄ = 0.2374 ± 0.0002 cm^?1 for the a state. Observation of P, Q, and R branch structure confirms the assignment of the a state as a Hund's case (c), $\text{Ω}\text{= 1}$ state of PbO. Calculated combination defects having positive algebraic sign support the presence of a b(0^?) state approximately 350 cm^?1 above the a(1) state.