Pure rotational transitions of (CrN)-Cr-52-N-14 and (MoN)-Mo-98-N-14 radica
ls in their X (4)Sigma(-) state were recorded using a pump/probe microwave-
optical double resonance (PPMODR) technique from which the hyperfine parame
ters of N-14 (I=1) were precisely determined. In addition, the (0,0) A (4)P
i-X (4)Sigma band system of (CrN)-Cr-53 was recorded from which the hyperfi
ne parameters of Cr-53 (I=3/2) were determined. The newly determined hyperf
ine interactions for Cr-53 and N-14 in CrN and N-14 in MoN and the previous
ly determined hyperfine interactions for other early transition metal monon
itrides were analyzed using a simple, single configurational, model. The im
proved set of fine structure parameters for the CrN and MoN are discussed i
n terms of possible electronic state distributions. (C) 1999 American Insti
tute of Physics. [S0021-9606(99)00638-8].