Fluorescence of Xe2 molecules in the vacuum-ultraviolet

Fluorescence of the Xe₂ continuum between 1460 and 1800 Å has been observed during excitation of Xe₂ molecules with CO fourth positive bands from a microwave discharge lamp. Fluorescence spectra at different Xe and added gas pressures show that in collisions with Xe or Kr atoms, the excited Xe₂ diatoms are efficiently relaxed to low vibrational levels of the ¹Σ_u⁺ and ³Σ_u⁺ potentials without being quenched noticeably. With Kr the rate constant for relaxation out of the primarily excited high vibrational levels is found to be about 3×10^?11 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1.