What inspired N. Bartlett for carrying out reaction between Xe and `PtF_6`?

Explanation

Neil Bartlett initially carried out a reaction between oxygen and `PtF_(6)`. This resulted in the formation of a red compound, `O_(2)^(+)[PtF_(6)]`
Later, he realized that the first ionization energy of oxygen (1175 kJ/mol) and Xe (1170 kJ/mol) is almost the same. Thus, he tried to prepare a compound with Xe and `PtF_(6)`. He was successful and a red-coloured compound, `Xe^(+) [PtF_(6)]`was formed.