Knowledge Bank

High resolution Laser Optogalvanic (LOG) spectra of xenon in an rf discharge (-30MHz) have been studied using a flash-lamp pumped tunable dye laser. Signals were normalized before averaging, on a pulse-by-pulse basis, and the effective duty-cycle was forced towards unity in order to obtain smooth spectra even at low pulse-repetition rates. Excellent LOG signals were obtained when the pick-up coil was displaced relative to the rf electrodes and when a transverse optical excitation was imposed in the region between the pick-up coil and the rf electrode. In addition, this arrangement produces signals of the same polarity. The spectra observed with laser excitation between $13,900-17,000cm-1$ display several rydberg series that originate from various excited states of the 5d configuration. Spectroscopic analysis is presented and broadening of rydberg levels below the first ionization limit is discussed.