FLUORESCENCE STUDIES OF EXCIPLEX MOLECULES IN THE VACUUM ULTRAVIOLET REGIME
This work describes the development of a unique capability for electron beam excitation of hot vapors combined with VUV spectroscopy. The first result obtained with this new facility was the observation of emission from the triatomic rare gas halide Ne$\sb 2$F* at 132 nm. An investigation of the kinetic processes for both Ne$\sb 2$F* and its precursor NeF*, which emits at 108.5 nm, was performed. Several relevant rate coefficients were determined. It was concluded that this system is analogous to the Ar-Cl system, in that it predissociates due to excited halogen dimer formation. Therefore the realization of NeF* or Ne$\sb 2$F* laser action would be difficult due to F$\sb 2$* production. NeF* fluorescence, however would be more likely to achieve gain due to its higher stimulated emission cross-section.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations