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.