Mechanism of formation of XeF* and XeO* excimers by photoexcitation of Xe–F2 and Xe–O2 mixtures

An investigation was made of excitation transfer from xenon atoms and molecules to F₂ and O₂ molecules when Xe–F₂ and Xe–O₂ mixtures were subjected to photoexcitation at wavelengths shorter than 158 nm. This transfer produced XeF* and XeO* excimers. A comparison was made of the kinetics of various models of photoexcitation of Xe–F₂ and Xe–O₂ mixtures and experimental data. It was established that excitation is transferred from Xe₂ molecules formed by photoexcitation to F₂ and O₂ molecules by a harpoon mechanism.