UV emission of CF2 produced by electron and ion impact on CHF3

Emission spectra produced by 0–1 keV electron and 1–25 keV H⁺ impact on CHF₃ were obtained and absolute cross section for a band in the UV were determined. The latter emission between ≈ 230 and 350 nm is attributed to the CF₂ (ā → X?) transition by comparison with fluorescence spectra from photolysis of CF₂ containing species. An analysis of the energy dependence of the cross sections indicates that the corresponding excitation processes involve excited state(s) of CHF₃ in particular the (4e)^?2(3p) Rydberg state dissociating into CF₂(ā) and H, F fragments.