Direct observation of the 2D3/2-2D5/2 ground-state splitting in Xe9+

We have used an electron beam ion trap to observe a visible line at 598.30(13) nm that corresponds to the 4d(9) D-2(3/2)-4d(9) D-2(5/2) magnetic dipole transition within the ground state configuration of Xe9+. We have found no evidence to support the claim by others that a line near this position originates from Xe31+. The comparison of the measured wavelength with previous indirect experimental values, and the dependence of the line intensity on the electron beam energy, confirms the validity of the present identification. Our measured wavelength is in agreement with semiempirical Hartree-Fock calculations but shows a discrepancy with ab initio multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations. We propose that the line may be useful as a diagnostic for extreme ultraviolet lithography light sources.