P-2 radicals have been detected using resonance-enhanced multiphoton i
onization (REMPI) spectroscopy via the C (1) Sigma(u)(+)-X (1) Sigma(g
)(+) transition. The simple structure of the origin band of this trans
ition, which is free from significant perturbations, is amenable to st
raightforward simulation and thus provides an excellent route both for
the detection and the characterization of ground state P-2 radicals.