Laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectra of CdRg (Rg = He, Ne, Xe) complexes were recorded at the D-1 Sigma(+)(0) <- X-1 Sigma(+)(0) bound <- bound and free <- bound transitions. In case of CdXe, analysis of the recorded profiles resulted in determination of the D-1 Sigma(+)(0)-state potential energy curve and ground-state dissociation energy. In case of CdHe and CdNe, analysis of the free bound profiles provided a repulsive part of the D-1 Sigma(+)(0)-state potential. Valence ab initio calculations of the ground- and excited-state potentials and electronic transition dipole moments of the studied transition were performed taking scalar-relativistic and spin-orbit effects into account. The results were supplemented with those for CdAr and CdKr of our earlier study. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.