The P=O stretching fundamental, nu(3), of P2O has been observed using diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The P2O species was generated in situ in a multipass cell from the reaction of O atoms with white phosphorus vapor (P-4). These measurements significantly extend the preliminary observation of this species and in conjunction with the results of microwave spectroscopy enable the rotational structure of the band to be reliably assigned for the first time. The (01(1)1)<--(01(1)0) hotband is also weakly observed in this system, with many of the transitions having resolved l-type doubling. The observed data are fitted to standard models to determine the full range of rotational parameters. Band origins of 1277.6454(3) and 1274.8993(10) cm(-1) are obtained for the (001)<--(000) and (01(1)1)<--(01(1)0) bands, respectively. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(97)01037-4].