Structure in the Photoionization Continuum of SF6 below 630 Å

The absorption spectrum of neutral SF6 has been studied in the far‐ultraviolet spectral region (100 to 630 A) using the pure continuum radiated by the NBS 180‐MeV electron synchrotron as a background source. A well‐developed vibrational progression was observed in the 550–600‐A region. A Rydberg series of neutral SF6 was observed in the 450–500‐A region, converging to a limit at 26.83 (±0.04) eV. Additional absorption features were evident with peaks at 435 and 350 A. Absolute absorption cross‐section measurements were made at 539, 584, and 704 A. The values obtained were 170, 70 and 100 Mb, respectively; the error in these measurements is thought to be no more than 25%.