Extended perturbation formulae for Jahn-Teller molecules

The effect of the Jahn-Teller interaction on a symmetric top molecule with a threefold axis of symmetry in a 2S + 1E state has been investigated by perturbation theory. Contributions up to sixth order are included. Explicit formulae for various quantities have been derived on the assumption that there is only one Jahn-Teller active mode of vibration; both linear and quadratic Jahn-Teller interactions are considered. The quantities concerned are (i) the vibronic energy levels, (ii) the orbital quenching factor dt, (iii) the correction to the A-rotational constant, (iv) the correction to the spin-spin dipolar coupling term, and (v) the correction to the spin-rotation coupling constant εaa. Because the perturbation expansion converges slowly, the results are only applicable to molecules subject to a weak Jahn-Teller effect. There are several examples of this type of molecule which have been studied experimentally.