The 1Σ+-X1Σ+ transition of the PN molecule

The recently observed ¹Σ⁺-X¹Σ⁺ transition of the PN molecule (J. Phys. B.13, 2251–2254 (1980)) has been photographed at high dispersion in the 1600–1900-Å region. A rotational analysis is carried out and shows 11 vibrational levels of the new ¹Σ⁺ state. These levels are perturbed and absolute vibrational numbering cannot be determined. Some perturbations can be accounted for by interactions with the A¹Π state. Weakening of lines are explained as accidental predissociations and allow us to discuss the dissociation energies of the X¹Σ⁺ and A¹Π states.