Observation of the 5pΠu Rydberg state of Li2

Some weak, collisionally induced transitions in ⁷Li₂ have been recorded by Fourier transform spectrometry in the near infrared, following excitation of the 5d¹Π_g state by optical-optical double resonance. They have been assigned as transitions to the 1 ¹Δ_g state from levels v=0 and 1 of a new ungerade Rydberg state, 5p¹Π_u. Quantum defect considerations indicate that the principal quantum number for this new state is 5, and that the assignment to 5p is compatible with a Rydberg series of which the lowest members would be the B¹Π_u and C¹Π_u states.