THE C3-PI-G RYDBERG AND 13-PI-G VALENCE STATES OF O-2

Experimental data on the positions and widths of the vibrational energy levels of the C 3Πg Rydberg state of molecular oxygen are interpreted. The energy levels are described as resonances in the elastic scattering of oxygen atoms in the open 1 3Πg valence state caused by a coupling to the closed C 3Πg Rydberg state. The coupled scattering equations are set up with an empirical valence potential energy curve and Rydberg-valence interaction potential and it is shown that the energy level positions and widths can be reproduced by an interaction of 63 meV and a potential energy curve that crosses the Rydberg curve on the attractive part of its outer limb. © 1990 American Institute of Physics.