The magnetic dipole <i>a</i>¹Δ_g → <i>X</i>³Σ_g⁻ transition in the oxygen afterglow

Abstract

The magnetic dipole a 1 Δ →X 3 Σ g − transition has been observed for the first time during the recombination of 16 O atoms in an afterglow. The spectrum of the 0–0 band has been recorded with a high resolution Fourier transform interferometer. Accurate molecular constants, obtained by combining ir and microwave data, are given for the a 1 Δ g and X 3 Σ g − (ν = 0) electronic levels.