Fluorescence excitation efficiencies for high pressure and liquid xenon excited by electrons, alpha particles, and fission fragments

Relative excitation efficiencies are reported for the fluorescence at 173 nm in liquid xenon excited by 0.5 MeV electrons (β particle), 6 MeV alpha particles (α particle), and 90 MeV fission fragments (ff). Efficiencies at 173 nm are also reported for alpha particle and fission fragment excitation of high pressure xenon. Results are presented in the form of ratios which compare the fluorescent output per unit energy for excitation by the different particles. The β/α and α/ff ratios for liquid xenon are 1.25±0.5 and 3.5±1.2, respectively. For xenon at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Torr, the α/ff ratios are 0.60±0.25, 0.61±0.23, and 0.63±0.24, respectively.