Abstract
We investigate the collisional survival of antiprotonic p ̄ He + atomcules in pure helium from a detailed ab initio analysis of their intermolecular interaction. After averaging over classical p̄ orbits, we attribute the collisional stability of thermalized atomcules to the existence of a high activation barrier due to Pauli repulsion. Our model predicts the reduction of the barrier for outer p̄ orbits, thus accounting for the quenching of high n states by He atoms. We also investigate the thermalization stage of newly formed atomcules from a classical trajectory Monte Carlo approach. Our results support the destruction of the states with n⩾41, as well as the strong depopulation of all n<41 layers, with a quenching rate of 50% at least. Assuming a statistical distribution of newly formed atomcules with respect to their initial angular momentum, we account for the 3% observed trapping fraction of metastable states.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
