Observation and characterization of the fluorescence decay of the 2s2p(6)np P-1(0) excited states of Ne

Fluorescence decay of the 2s2p(6)np P-1(0) excited states of neon has been observed directly for the first time. This process has also been observed i ndirectly by threshold photoelectron spectroscopy and in electron/photon co incidences. The measurements have allowed this weak decay channel to be cha racterized and branching ratios derived. The fluorescence excitation spectr um is well described by a simple Rydberg model that highlights the interpla y and competition between the decay channels of autoionization and fluoresc ence.