P-state-to-P-state transitions in optically prepared atomic collisions: III. A complete analysis of Li⁺ + Na(3p) → Li(2p) + Na⁺ differential scattering

This paper reports experimental and theoretical P-state-to-P-state results for the electron transfer process Li+ + Na(3p) → Li(2p) + Na+ at an impact energy of 1 keV. By a systematic combination of the optical preparation of specific Na(3p) states with Stokes parameter analysis of the resulting Li(2p) state, we extract detailed information on scattering amplitudes and the underlying collision dynamics of the electron transfer process. Eight out of the nine independent parameters characterizing a 'complete scattering experiment' have been extracted. Coupled channel results for the state-to-state transfer probabilities and differential cross sections have been derived using a two-centre atomic orbital basis. The overall agreement is good between the experimental observations and theoretical predictions, as well as with the molecular orbital basis results of Machholm et al (Machholm M, Lewartowski E and Courbin C 1994 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 27 4681). Based on this agreement and our theoretical results for the velocity dependence, we address the general concepts of propensity rules for alignment and orientation effects in P-state-to-P-state electron transfer.

Duke Scholars

Author Sonia Grego Electrical and Computer Engineering