The Renner effect and spin-orbit coupling

Abstract

The Renner theory of vibrational-electronic interaction in linear triatomic molecules in Π electronic states is extended to take account of coupling between an odd electron spin and the electron orbital angular momentum. Perturbation expressions for the splittings and shifts of energy levels are obtained on the assumption that the Renner splittings and the spin-orbit coupling energy are of the same order of magnitude, but less than the energy quantum of the bending vibrations.