Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: We develop an analytic model of vector correlations in rotationally inelastic atom-diatom collisions and test it against the much examined Ar-NO (X(2)Pi) system. Based on the Fraunhofer scattering of matter waves, the model furnishes complex scattering amplitudes needed to evaluate the polarization moments characterizing the quantum stereodynamics. The analytic polarization moments are found to be in an excellent agreement with experimental results and with close-coupling calculations available at thermal energies. The model reveals that the stereodynamics is governed by diffraction from the repulsive core of the Ar-NO potential, which can be characterized by a single Legendre moment.
DOI: 10.1039/b920899b
Authors: Mikhail Lemeshko, Bretislav Friedrich
Institution: Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Language: English
Subfield: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2961238438