Investigation of the A²Σ^- state of CuO by laser-induced fluorescence

The laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum of the A²Σ^－X²Π_3/2 transition of CuO in the 540－620nm region has been studied, where the CuO molecule was produced by using the technique of dc discharge reaction under a supersonic condition. We have recorded and rotationally analysed the 0－0, 1－0, 2－0 and 3－0 bands. The rotational constants of the upper state A²Σ^- were determined and vibrational constants improved. In addition, the lifetime measurement for the A²Σ^- state was carried out under the collision-free condition, and the lifetimes obtained are 469±2, 456±2, 488±3 and 490±4ns for v'=0, v'=1, v'=2 and v'=3 levels, respectively.