Infrared Fluorescence of Xe2 Molecules in beam-excited Xe Gas at high Pressure

Abstract

We report experimental results of proton- and electron-beam-induced near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence in high-pressure Xe gas at room temperature. The investigated wavelength band spans the range $0.7\le \hat{I}»\le 1.8\hat{I}¼m.$ In the previously unexplored range for $\hat{I}»>1.05\hat{I}¼m$ we have detected a broad continuum NIR fluorescence at $\hat{I}»\approx 1.3\hat{I}¼m$ that shifts towards longer wavelengths as pressure is increased up to $1.5MPa.$ We believe that this continuum is produced in a way similar to the VUV continua of noble gas excimers and that the pressure-dependent shift can be explained by the interaction of the outer electron of the excimer with the gas.

15 pages, 5 Postscript figures