Luminescence of gases excited by high energy radiation. Part 2.—Emission spectra of molecular xenon

Abstract

The emission spectra of neon, argon, krypton and xenon excited by soft X-rays and the effect of pressure (up to 1 atm) are reported. The spectra of the lighter gases are dominated by emissions from trace impurities (OH, N2). Neon gives line spectra but diffuse or continuous spectra are excited at the higher pressures in the heavier gases. Eight new features in the xenon spectrum are ascribed to Xe2 or Xe+2 and their excitation mechanisms are discussed.