Accurate theoretical study of PS(q) (q = 0,+1,-1) in the gas phase.

Highly correlated ab initio methods were used in order to generate the potential energy curves and spin-orbit couplings of electronic ground and excited states of PS and PS(+). We also computed those of the bound parts of the electronic states of the PS(-) anion. We used standard coupled cluster CCSD(T) level with augmented correlation-consistent basis sets, internally contacted multi-reference configuration interaction, and the newly developed CCSD(T)-F12 methods in connection with the explicitly correlated basis sets. Core-valence correction and scalar relativistic effects were examined. Our data consist of a set of spectroscopic parameters (equilibrium geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies, rotational constants, spin-orbit, and spin-spin constants), adiabatic ionization energies, and electron affinities. For the low laying electronic states, our calculations are consistent with previous works whereas the high excited states present rather different shapes. Based on these new computations, the earlier ultraviolet bands of PS and PS(+) were reassigned. For PS(-) and in addition to the already known anionic three bound electronic states (i.e., X(3)Σ(-), (1)Δ, and 1(1)Σ(+)), our calculations show that the (1)Σ(-), (3)Σ(+), and the (3)Δ states are energetically below their quartet parent neutral state (a(4)Π). The depletion of the J = 3 component of PS(-)((3)Δ) will mainly occur via weak interactions with the electron continuum wave.