VUV laser-induced fluorescence of molecular hydrogen

State-selective detection of molecular hydrogen by VUV laser-induced fluorescence has been achieved at excitation wavelengths greater than the lithium fluoride cut-off, using xenon as the non-linear medium. With this approach sensitivities of ≈10⁹ per cm³ per quantum state have been achieved under cell conditions. This method provides a simple approach to monitoring the vibrational state distribution of hydrogen and its isotopes.