FOURIER-TRANSFORM OPTOGALVANIC SPECTROSCOPY

High-resolution optogalvanic spectra have been observed for the first time using a Fourier transform spectrometer. Spectra from neon, argon, krypton, and xenon were observed over the range 5000 to 18000 cm-1 us ing a modified commercial hollow cathode lamp. Signal-to-noise ratios of several hundred to one were readily achieved on the strongest trans itions but in these initial experiments the sensitivity is still subst antially below that of a laser experiment. If the sensitivity can be i mproved by changes in lamp design then the very wide coverage scans an d the ability to operate in the infrared and near-infrared regions wil l make this an important new spectroscopic method.