RYDBERG STATES OF CALCIUM-FLUORIDE

We derive the entire singly excited electronic level spectrum of a dip olar molecule (CaF) from atomic properties alone (the quantum defects of Ca+). In the approach presented here the motion of the lone electro n is treated as a double scattering process involving the closed-shell Ca++ and F- centers with F- treated as a point charge. The energies o f all known electronic states of CaF are well reproduced by the theory . Refinements of the model such as inclusion of the finite volume of F - or of polarization effects are deferred as are extensions of the mod el to account for spin-orbit and other fine structure effects.