A HOT-BAND LIF STUDY OF THE A(1)PI(U)-X(1)SIGMA(G)+ TRANSITION IN C3

Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra of the A 1PII(u)-X 1SIGM A(g)+ electronic transition have been recorded in the laser wavelength range 386-463 nm using a novel source of rotationally cold but vibrat ionally excited C3. A large number of new transitions are observed and we report here on some prominent vibrational progressions appearing i n the spectra which are assigned to (n'00-n''00) vibronic transitions. A tentative assignment of the (001-001 ) transition is also given whi ch locates for the first time the A 1PI(u) (001) level.