Theoretical study of the NO beta system

A theoretical determination of the transition moment functions (TMFs) for the beta system of NO is presented. High levels of correlation treatment are required to show the changing degree of Rydberg character in the B2II with decreasing r values. The state-averaged complete-active-space self-consistent-field multireference configuration-interaction method is used for the determination. Previous lifetime measurements made with laser-induced fluorescence, varying between 2 and 0.85 microns, are discussed in terms of the calculated lifetimes for v-prime values 0-6, which vary from 2.12-1.17 microns. When larger r values are used for the transition moment function, the calculated lifetimes correlate with experimental lifetimes. The Einstein coefficients agree with experimental results, although limitations in the calibration of the spectrometer can account for systematic differences. The correlation with earlier experimental results suggests that radiative lifetimes are in the range of 1-2 microns.