Continuous-wave emission in the ultraviolet from diatomic excimers in a microdischarge

Abstract
Emission on the I2 (D′→A′), XeI (B2Σ1/2+→X2Σ1/2+) and XeO (2 3Π→1 3Π) bands, peaking in the ultraviolet at 342, 253 and 238 nm, respectively, has been generated on a continuous basis in a microdischarge with a static gas fill. Discharges are produced in Kr/I2, Xe/I2, or Xe/O2 gas mixtures by cylindrical devices 400 μm in diameter and fabricated in silicon. Rare-gas–halide and –oxide microdischarge lamps are attractive ultraviolet or vacuum ultraviolet sources and XeI, in particular, appears to be a potential replacement for Hg resonance line radiation (253.7 nm).