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

Explanation

N. Bartlett observed that `PtF_(6)` is a powerful oxidising agent. It oxidises `O_(2)` to `O_(2)^(+)` and forms `O_(2)^(+) [PtF_(6)]_((s))^(-)` as follows: `PtF_(6)(g) + O_(2)(g) rarr O_(2)^(+) [PtF_(6)]_((s))^(-)`.
Xenon resembles oxygen in some features. These are as follows :
a) First ionisation enthalpy of xenon and dioxygen are almost equal.
b) Molecular size of oxygen and xenon is comparable. Keeping these points in account, he reacted Xe(g) with `PtF_(6)(g)`. Xe(g) + `PtF_(6)(g) rarr Xe^(+) [PtF_(6)]^(-)(s)`