The electronic spectrum of PN. A configuration interaction study

Potential energy curves were calculated for the ground state of PN and for all excited singlet and triplet states resulting from the 2π → 3π, 7σ → 3π, 2π → 8σ, and 7σ → 8σ orbital excitations. CI studies at 4 Å served to establish dissociation energies. Spectroscopic constants were calculated, and are in good agreement with those of the known X¹Σ⁺ and A¹Π states. Overall, their similarity with those observed for N₂ is striking. Various states considered to perturb the known excitations are discussed. The recently discovered second ¹Σ⁺ state is included.