The microwave spectrum of the FeS radical

The rotational spectrum of the iron monosulfide radical, FeS, was measured in the frequency region of 220-390 GHz with a source-modulated millimeter/submillimeter-wave spectrometer. The radical was efficiently produced in a free space absorption cell by a dc discharge in a mixture of Ar and H₂S with a stainless-steel hollow cathode. Several series of paramagnetic lines were detected with intervals of about 12 GHz. The four series having relatively strong intensity were assigned to FeS in the vibrationally ground state of the X⁵Δ_i electronic state, two series to that in the vibrationally excited state, and five series presumably to FeS in the electronically excited state, . The effective molecular constants were determined for FeS in the X⁵Δ_i electronic state. The components of the vibrationally ground state showed an apparent shift from the typical pattern of the state. In addition, the fine structure of the state was found to be far from a regular pattern expected for a state. A trial analysis including electronic interaction between the and states was carried out, but it was not possible to explain the spectral lines of both electronic states simultaneously. Reasons for the heavily perturbed spectral patterns are discussed.