Abstract
The asymmetry parameter beta for the process Hg(5d106s2)1S0+hv to Hg+(5d96s2)2D32,5/2/+e- for Cd4d5s analogously) has been measured at rare-gas resonance wavelengths between 73.59 and 30.38 nm. The data for Cd disagree with a previous measurement available in the literature. The results are compared with relativistic and non-relativistic calculations of several authors. The experimental beta values for Hg5d give evidence of relativistic effects.