The E(2)Sigma(+) --> C(2)Pi Transition of NO and Term Values for the A, D, E, and C Lowest Rydberg Levels

The E(2)Sigma(+) --> C(2)Pi Rydberg-Rydberg transition of (14)N(16)O near 8492 cm(-1) has been studied by Fourier transform spectrometry in the emission from a dc excited supersonic jet expansion and from a dc discharge under equilibrium conditions. The same transition has also been observed in laser-induced stimulated emission. Line wavenumbers of the 0-0, 1-1, and 2-2 bands, together with data for previously published near-infrared transitions, have been reduced to consistent sets of rovibronic term values for v = 0, 1, and 2 of the A(2)Sigma(+), D(2)Sigma(+), E(2)Sigma(+), and C(2)Pi states which frequently serve as intermediates in the multiphoton excitation of higher Rydberg levels of NO. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.