Emission spectrum of XeI in electron-beam—excited Xe/I₂ mixtures

Emission spectra observed from electron-beam---excited atmospheric-pressure gas mixtures of Xe and ${\mathrm{I}}_{2}$ are reported and analyzed in terms of an ionic alkali-halide-like excited state ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{+}$${\mathrm{I}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. A simple theory is given to analyze the observed spectra, and predictions of the uv spectra of other inert-gas monohalides are made. This class of molecules appears to offer interesting possibilities for production of new uv lasers.