Differential scattering dynamics of F+CH 4→HF( v, J)+CH 3 via high-resolution IR laser dopplerimetry

Abstract

Product recoil data from F+CH 4→HF( v, J)+CH 3 reactive scattering are obtained using crossed supersonic jets and narrow band ( Δν≈0.0001 cm −1 ) infrared radiation laser direct absorption techniques. The high-resolution infrared radiation profiles of HF( v, J) product exhibit extensive Doppler broadening that directly reflects quantum state-resolved translational distributions in the laboratory frame under single collision conditions. Analyses of Doppler profiles yield information on state-resolved differential cross sections into the HF( v=1) and HF( v=2) vibrational manifolds, which both identify a propensity for forward/backward scattering (|cos( θ)|≈1) over side scattering (|cos( θ)|≈0) in the center-of-mass frame.