Accurate potential energy curves, dipole moment functions, dissociation energies and spectroscopic constants for three quartet electronic states (X(4)Sigma(-), A(4)Pi and B(4)Sigma(-)) of the CaN molecule are reported with the multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction methodology. Also, are present radiative transition probabilities and lifetimes for the A(4)Pi-X(4)Sigma(-), B(4)Sigma(-)-X(4)Sigma(-) and B4Sigma(-)-A(4)Pi band systems. The ground state (X(4)Sigma(-)) has an equilibrium distance equal to 4.410a(0) and the dissociation energy is 0.85 eV. The A(4)Pi has a shorter equilibrium distance equal to 4.142a(0) and the B(4)Sigma(-) has a much longer equilibrium distance, equal to 5.426a(0). Radiative lifetimes for nu' = 0 are predicted to be 27 000, 0.256 and 565 mus for the A(4)Pi-X(4)Sigma(-), B(4)Sigma(-)-(XE-)-E-4 and B(4)Sigma(-)-A(4)Pi band systems, respectively. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.