First observation of the <i>v</i>=3 level of the <i>B</i> 1Σ+ Rydberg state of CO

Abstract

A new diffuse vuv band of 12C16O at 92 800 cm−1 has been observed in absorption and assigned to the B–X(3–0) transition. The assignment is based on the excellent agreement found between the observed band and a calculated spectrum of the B–X(3–0) transition, where a previously optimized two channel close-coupling model of the B 1Σ+–D′ 1Σ+ Rydberg–valence predissociation interaction has been used to calculate the B(v=3) state molecular constants, J dependent predissociation widths and the J dependent B–X(3–0) vibronic transition moments. The relative absorption cross-section for this transition has also been calculated.