High resolution laser spectroscopy of NO: The A, v=1 state and a series of n f, v=1 Rydberg states

A high resolution pulse-amplified cw laser with a bandwidth of 0.002 cm−1 has been used to measure transition energies from the ground state to the A 2Σ+(3sσ), v=1 state to an accuracy of about 0.01 cm−1. Transitions to the 7f, 12f, and 15f, v=1 states from the A state have been measured to an accuracy better than 0.02 cm−1 using optical double resonance. The long-range interaction model accurately describes the nf term energies. Improved values for the ionization potential of NO and for the isotropic polarizability and rotational constant of the NO+ ion core have been obtained from the analysis of these states. The lifetimes of the 7f, 12f, and 15f, v=1 states have been determined by measuring their natural linewidths.