The VUV absorption spectra of SiF and SiF+

The absorption spectrum of a microwave discharge (2450 MHz) in flowing heli um with traces of SiF4 has been recorded on the SA61 beam line of SUPERACO between 2000 and 500 Angstrom. Two new ionization energies have been observ ed at 15.12 and 17.27 eV corresponding, respectively, to the A(1)II and B(1 )Sigma(+) states of SiF+. The A(1)II <-- X(1)Sigma(+) transition of the ion has been identified for the first time on high-resolution spectra obtained in 1992 with the 35-foot Eagle spectrograph in Meudon. (C) 1999 Academic P ress.