Characterization of the [18.42]0+ – X1Σ+ (0, 0) band of tantalum nitride, TaN

Abstract High resolution laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of the [18.42]0 + − X 1 Σ + (0, 0) band of tantalum nitride, TaN, near 543 nm, have been recorded and analyzed field-free and in the presence of a static electric field. The nuclear electric quadrupole hyperfine structure due to 181 Ta( I  = 7/2) was resolved and analysis of the field-free spectrum yielded nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants, eQq 0 , of −0.24025(75) cm −1 and −0.05755(76) cm −1 for the X 1 Σ + and [18.42]0 + states, respectively. The Stark tuning of the R (0) and P (1) lines was analyzed to determine the magnitude of the molecular frame electric dipole moments, | μ → el | , of 3.33(4) D and 4.48(3) D for the X 1 Σ + and [18.42]0 + states, respectively. The | μ → el | and eQq 0 values are discussed in terms of predicted molecular orbitals for the X 1 Σ + and [18.42]0 + states.