Characterization of the [18.28]0^-- a ³Δ₁ (0,0) band of tantalum nitride, TaN

The [18.28]0^--a3Δ1 (0,0) band near 647 nm of tantalum nitride, TaN, has been recorded and analyzed field-free and in the presence of static electric and magnetic fields. The fine and hyperfine parameters for the a3Δ1 and [18.28]0^- states are determined. The ¹⁸¹Ta(I = 7/2) axial nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constant, eQq₀, and the effective magnetic hyperfine coupling constant, h₁, are used to garner insight into the nature of electronic states. The Stark tuning of the P(2) and Q(1) lines was analyzed to determine the molecular frame permanent electric dipole moment, μ→el, for the a3Δ1 state of 4.49 ± 0.09 D. The Zeeman effect on the P(1) line was analyzed to determine an upper limit of the magnetic moment, μ→m, for the a3Δ1 state. Scalar-relativistic coupled-cluster calculations for eQq₀ and μ→el of the a3Δ1 state are also reported and compared with experimental results. The determined properties are compared with the predicted values and the implication of the proposed scheme for determination of the ¹⁸¹Ta magnetic quadrupole moment is discussed.