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Polarization effects in the differential quenching cross section of Na* by diatomic molecules

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

The dependence of scattering intensities for the quenching process Na*(3/sup 2/P) + N/sub 2/(..nu..=0) ..-->.. Na(3/sup 2/S) + N/sub 2/(..nu..') on the polarization of the exciting laser light has been studied. A distinct anisotropy is observed at small scattering angles, which is most pronounced where the scattering cross section is largest. It is found that the quenching cross section sigma/sub 1/ for a 3p..pi.. state is smaller than sigma/sub 0/ for the 3psigma state and, thus, electronic angular momentum is transferred to collisional and/or rotational angular momentum.

Research Organization:
Fachbereich Physik der Universitaet Kaiserslautern, 6750 Kaiserslautern, West Germany
OSTI ID:
7329962
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 38:7; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English