Influence of helium on the efficiency of filling of the Зр levels of neon atoms

An investigation was made of the luminescence spectra of He–Ne mixtures excited by Pu²³⁸ α particles. An analysis was made of the influence of He and Ne on the filling efficiency of the system of Зр levels of Ne I which was found to be governed by the degree of vibrational excitation of Ne₂⁺ molecular ions. The rate constants were determined for various processes involving deactivation of the Зр states of Ne I by collisions with Ne and He atoms.