A new light source in the vacuum ultra violet spectral region

Excited rare gases at moderate pressures (<200 torr) emit a continuous broad spectrum in the vacuum uv region. We have observed continuous emission in mixtures of low concentrations (0.1 torr) of Xe in Argon. The emission spectrum of this mixture has almost the same features as the pure Xe molecular emission spectrum, with the following differences: 1. (a) The peak's maximum is shifted 20 Å towards low energy. 2. (b) The amount of Xe required is 0.25 torr while the commercially available lamps operate on 200 torr Xe. 3. (c) Intensification of the emitted light was obtained by diluting the Xe in Argon. Emission peak at 1700 Å of the mixture 0.1 per cent Xe in Argon is suggested as a new economical light source in the vacuum uv region.