PRELIMINARY-REPORT OF THE OBSERVATION OF THE (A)OVER-TILDE(2)SIGMA(-(X)OVER-TILDE(2)PI TRANSITION IN N-2-CENTER-DOT-NO()[)

A structured spectrum of the (A) over tilde A (2) Sigma(+) <-- (X) ove r tilde(2) Pi transition of the N-2 . NO complex has been recorded for the first time, employing the technique of one-colour (1 + 1) resonan ce-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectroscopy. The T-0 value of the (A) over tilde(2) Sigma(+) <-- (X) over tilde(2) Pi transition is determined as 44143.2 +/- 0.5 cm(-1) and the dissociation energies of the (X) over tilde and (A) over tilde states are estimated as simi lar to 88 and 144 cm(-1), respectively. The expected geometries and mo des of bonding in the (X) over tilde and (A) over tilde states are dis cussed by comparison with those of similar complexes. (C) 1998 Elsevie r Science B.V.