The $C \: ^1 \Sigma ^+$, $A \: ^1 \Sigma ^+$, and $b \: ^3 \Pi_{0^+}$ states of LiRb

We present the first spectroscopic studies of the $C \ ^1\Sigma^+$ electronic state and the $A \ ^1\Sigma^+$ - $b \ ^3\Pi_{0^+}$ complex in $^7$Li - $^{85}$Rb. Using resonantly-enhanced, two-photon ionization, we observed $v = 7$, 9, 12, 13 and $26-45$ of the $C \ ^1\Sigma^+$ state. We augment the REMPI data with a form of depletion spectra in regions of dense spectral lines. The $A \ ^1\Sigma^+$ - $b \ ^3\Pi_{0^+}$ complex was observed with depletion spectroscopy, depleting to vibrational levels $v=0 \rightarrow 29$ of the $A \ ^1\Sigma^+$ state and $v=8 \rightarrow 18$ of the $b \ ^3\Pi_{0^+}$ state. For all three series, we determine the term energy and vibrational constants. Finally, we outline several possible future projects in ultracold molecules based on the data presented here.