Semiclassical theory of collisional ionization

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.27.1353· OSTI ID:6301093

Lam, K; George, T F; Bhattacharyya, D K

A semiclassical theory for Penning ionization is presented with suggested extensions to associative ionization. The theory makes use of classical nuclear dynamics and the adiabatic electronic representation. The advantages of the approach are threefold: (1) One can obtain single-channel information for all channels with just one equation of motion; (2) no explicit function epsilon(R) relating the electron energy to the internuclear distance need be imposed; and (3) no coupled discretized channels need be introduced. The shape function of the differential ionization cross section is derived analytically to lowest order in coupling strength, and then further simplified through the stationary-phase approximation. The equation of motion, however, is capable of a nonperturbative treatment via an approximation scheme which makes the nonadiabatic couplings separable in epsilon. The stationary-phase result demonstrates the possibility of resonance and hence associative ionization.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627
• OSTI ID: 6301093
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 27:3; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640304* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOM COLLISIONS
ATOM-ATOM COLLISIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
COLLISIONS
ELECTRON EMISSION
EMISSION
IONIZATION
IONS
MOLECULAR IONS
PENNING EFFECT
SEMICLASSICAL APPROXIMATION