Laser optogalvanic spectroscopy of 5p(5)nf J=1-5 even-parity Rydberg levels of xenon

We report new measurements of the 5p(5)(P-2(3/2))nf [3/2](1,2), [5/2](3), [ 7/2](3,4) and [9/2](4,5) (6 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 4 0) Rydberg spectra of xenon using a Nd:YAG pumped dye laser in conjunction with an optogalvanic detection technique. A DC discharge in a cell run in e lectrically quiet mode populated most of the levels based on the 5p(5)(P-2( 3/2))5d configuration. Well developed Rydberg series have been observed due to excitations from each of the collisionally populated sp(5)(P-2(3/2))5d [1/2](0,1), [3/2](2), [5/2](2,3) and [7/2](3,4) levels. The J-value assignm ents have been established on the basis of the selection rules in the j K-c oupling scheme.