The magnetic dipole a1Δg → X3Σg− transition in the oxygen afterglow

Abstract

The magnetic dipole a1Δ →X3Σg− transition has been observed for the first time during the recombination of 16O 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 a1Δg and X3Σg− (ν = 0) electronic levels.