The hyperfine structure of the C1Π–X1Σ+ transition of CuF

Abstract

The hyperfine structure of the63CuF C1Π –X1Σ+ transition has been studied by laser-induced fluorescence in the sub-Doppler regime. Splittings of the ro-vibronic lines due to interactions with the copper (I = 3/2) and fluorine (I = 1/2) nuclei are observed in the P, Q, and R branches. The various contributions arising from magnetic dipole and from electric quadrupole interaction are specified. Parity dependent and independent terms are required to explain the dissimilar splitting patterns in the Q and the P/R branches. Hyperfine parameters for the C state of copper monofluoride are reported for the first time.