This is due to a coincidence of energy levels between the helium and neon atoms.

This allows one to, for example, separate a beam, of neon atoms into its various isotopes, which have different masses.

A neon atom moves slowly relative to a hydrogen molecule of the same kinetic energy.

Florescent bulbs have fast electrons crashing into the neon atoms in the bulb.

For example, the electron configuration of the neon atom is 1s 2s 2p.

Since then, the Institute has carried out experiments with quantum reflection of cold excited neon atoms from silicon surfaces.

In the new experiment, a short intense laser pulse hits a gas of neon atoms.

These electrons excite the neon atoms and cause them to emit light that we can see.

The light of a neon tube is the colored light that the neon atoms give off directly.

This allows an inverse population of neon atoms to build up.