Atom-polyatomic collisions: The role of pair correlation functions

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Chem. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.437903· OSTI ID:6462155

Micha, D A

Following a brief introduction to the relation between cross sections for atom-polyatomic collisions and the atom-pair correlation functions of the isolated polyatomic, we discuss properties of the correlation functions (such as sum rules and moments) relevant to experimental interpretation. Correlation functions are obtained analytically for polyatomics with harmonic vibrational motions, in their body-fixed reference frame. Rotational motions are then described within a short time expansion which provides a physical picture of rotational energy transfer for each vibrational transition. The obtained results are valid for multiquantum vibrational transitions. Gaussian rotational distributions are found for each vibrational transition, with parameters explicitly given by the theory. Relationships among collision times and rotational-- vibrational periods, and the shapes of correlation functions vs. energy transfer are briefly discussed.

• Research Organization: Departments of Chemistry and of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
• OSTI ID: 6462155
• Journal Information: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Chem. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 70:7; ISSN JCPSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640304* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
ATOM COLLISIONS
ATOM-MOLECULE COLLISIONS
COLLISIONS
CORRELATION FUNCTIONS
CROSS SECTIONS
ENERGY TRANSFER
FUNCTIONS
MOLECULE COLLISIONS
MOLECULES
POLYATOMIC MOLECULES