The rotational spectrum and hyperfine structure of arsenic monophosphide, AsP

Arsenic monophosphide has been prepared by laser ablation of arsenic in the presence of PH₃. The J = 2-1 and 1-0 transitions in both the ground and first excited vibrational states have been measured with a cavity pulsed jet Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer. An improved equilibrium internuclear distance (r_e) has been obtained. Hyperfine structure in the rotational spectrum of AsP has been resolved and has led to the first determinations of the As nuclear quadrupole coupling constant and both nuclear spin-rotation constants. The data enable the electronic structure of AsP to be compared with those of other mixed Group 15 diatomic molecules.