in the several papers related with the observations of molecules in interstellar clouds i have read the notations like 303-212 and 404-313 transitions, b- type transitions, ΔKa = +1 transitions etc. what is the meaning of them.
The numerical notations refer to two transitions: the first between the upper level of quantum number 3 and two lower rank quantum numbers 0 and 3 and the lower level of quantum number 2 and two lower rank quantum numbers 1 and 2. It would help if I knew what kind of spectrum and molecule or atom this refers to.
ΔKastands for the difference of the near prolate top quantum number (angular momentum along the molecular A-axis - the one of the smallest moment of inertia). It refers to rotational lines in a MW spectrum or high resolution rotational features in a vibrational band (IR) of a near symmetric top molecule.
thank you T. Cvitas for your informative answer. These are the rotational transitions observed during GBT-PRIMOS radio astronomy survey in Sagittarius B2 North. They refer to the E and Z isomer of ethanimine (CH3CHNH).
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