Experimental Potential Energy Curve for the 4$^3\Pi$ Electronic State of NaCs

POSTER

Abstract

We present results from experimental studies of the 4$^3\Pi$ electronic state of the NaCs molecule. This electronic state is interesting in that its potential energy curve likely exhibits a double minimum. As a result, interference effects are observed in the resolved bound-free fluorescence spectra. The optical-optical double resonance method was used to obtain Doppler-free excitation spectra for the 4$^3\Pi$ state. This dataset of measured level energies was expanded largely by observing fluorescence from levels populated by collisions. To aid in level assignments, simulations of resolved bound-free fluorescence spectra were calculated using the BCONT program (R. J. Le Roy, University of Waterloo). Spectroscopic constants were determined to summarize data belonging to inner well, outer well, and above barrier regions of the electronic state. Current work focuses on using the IPA method to construct an experimental potential energy curve.

*Work supported by NSF and Susquehanna University

Authors

  • Andrew Steely

    • Susquehanna Univ
  • Hannah Cooper

    • Susquehanna Univ
  • Hareem Zain

    • Susquehanna Univ
  • Ciara Whipp

    • Susquehanna Univ
  • Carl Faust

    • Susquehanna Univ
  • Andrew Kortyna

    • JILA, University of Colorado
  • John Huennekens

    • Lehigh University