Discrete energy transfer in collisions of Xe(nf) Rydberg atoms with NH/sub 3/ molecules

Journal Article · Mon May 22 00:00:00 EDT 1978 · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.40.1362· OSTI ID:6815435

Smith, K A; Kellert, F; Rundel, R D; Dunning, F B; Stebbings, R F

In collisions with NH/sub 3/ molecules it is observed that Xe(nf) Rydberg atoms are selectively excited to discrete, more highly excited states. These states are identified by the technique of field ionization and are found to be displaced in energy from the initial Rydberg states by amounts equal to the rotational spacings of the NH/sub 3/ molecule. These measurements demonstrate, for the first time, the conversion of rotational energy to electronic energy in collisions.

• Research Organization: Space Physics and Astronomy Department, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77001
• OSTI ID: 6815435
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 40:21; ISSN PRLTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640304* -- Atomic
Molecular & Chemical Physics-- Collision Phenomena
74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS
AMMONIA
ATOM COLLISIONS
ATOM-MOLECULE COLLISIONS
COLLISIONS
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
ENERGY TRANSFER
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EXCITATION
EXCITED STATES
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MOLECULE COLLISIONS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
NONMETALS
RARE GASES
ROTATIONAL STATES
XENON