INVESTIGATION OF THE B(1)SIGMA(G)(-X-3-SIGMA(G)(-)(UPSILON=0) MAGNETIC-DIPOLE TRANSITIONS IN O-18(2)()(UPSILON=0)[)

We report an investigation of the b (1) Sigma(g)(+) (upsilon = 0) <-- X-3 Sigma(g)(-) (upsilon = 0) band of O-18(2). The weak magnetic-dipol e transitions around 761 nm were observed using a high-sensitivity abs orption spectroscopy apparatus based on a DFB diode laser source and a multipass absorption cell. We accurately measured the wavelength of s everal lines and deduced the rotational constants for the b (1) Sigma( g)(+) (upsilon = 0) electronic state. We also studied the line broaden ing in the presence of different isotopic species and determined the p ressure broadening coefficients. We discuss the interest of these data in view of a possible test of the symmetrization postulate for O-18 n uclei.