Magnetic rotation observation of the C2b3Σg− ← a3Πu transition using a color center laser

The magnetic rotation observation of the C₂b³Σ_g^? ← a³Π_u Ballik-Ramsay system using a color center laser is reported. This is the first detection of this system in absorption. Three bands, 0 ← 1, 1 ← 2, and 2 ← 3, were identified in the spectral range 3650–4030 cm^?1. The last two bands were observed for the first time. In magnetic rotation many satellite lines (ΔN ≠ ΔJ) which would be very weak in normal absorption have been observed with intensity comparable to the main branch lines. This permits a slight improvement in the accuracy of some of the fine structure constants. A variety of lineshapes are observed for the various branches by magnetic rotation. Because the b³Σ_g^? fine structure is small, giving a partial overlap, the peak frequency of a magnetic rotation signal usually does not correspond to the center frequency of the normal absorption signal of that transition. A computer program has been written to predict magnetic rotation lineshapes and obtain the peak frequency displacements. Various observed and calculated lineshapes are displayed and compared.