  High resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy and Laser induced fluorescence
has been performed on LiCa in the infrared spectral range. We analyze
rovibrational transitions of the $(2)^2\Sigma^+$--$X(1)^2\Sigma^+$ system of
LiCa and find the $(2)^2\Sigma^+$ state to be perturbed by spin-orbit coupling
to the $(1)^2\Pi$ state. We study the coupled system obtaining molecular
parameters for the $(2)^2\Sigma^+$ and the $(1)^2\Pi$ state together with
effective spin-orbit and spin-rotation coupling constants. The coupled system
has also been evaluated by applying a potential function instead of
rovibrational molecular parameters for the state $(2)^2\Sigma^+$. An improved
analytic potential function of the $X(1)^2\Sigma^+$ state is derived, due to
the extension of the observed rotational ladder.
