Self-consistent quantum kinetic theory of diatomic molecule formation
- Department of Physics, Penn State University, Berks Campus, Reading, Pennsylvania 19610-6009 (United States)
A quantum kinetic theory of molecule formation is presented which includes three-body recombination and radiative association for a thermodynamically closed system which may or may not exchange energy with its surrounding at a constant temperature. The theory uses a Sturmian representation of a two-body continuum to achieve a steady-state solution of a governing master equation which is self-consistent in the sense that detailed balance between all bound and unbound states is rigorously enforced. The role of quasibound states in catalyzing the molecule formation is analyzed in complete detail. The theory is used to make three predictions which differ from conventional kinetic models. These predictions suggest significant modifications may be needed to phenomenological rate constants which are currently in wide use. Implications for models of low and high density systems are discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 22490884
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Chemical Physics, Vol. 143, Issue 2; Other Information: (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-9606
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Three-Body Collision Contributions to Recombination and Collision-Induced Dissociation. II. Kinetics
Three-body collision contributions to recombination and collision-induced dissociation. II. Kinetics