Low energy collisions of CN(X 2Σ+) with He in magnetic fields

Abstract

A theoretical investigation of the He-CN((2)Σ(+)) complex is presented. We perform ab initio calculations of the interaction potential energy surface and carry out accurate calculations of bound energy levels of the complex including the molecular fine structure. We find the potential has a shallow minimum and supports seven and nine bound levels in complex with (3)He and (4)He, respectively. Based on the potential the quantum scattering calculation is then implemented for elastic and inelastic cross sections of the magnetically trappable low-field-seeking state of CN((2)Σ(+)) in collision with (3)He atom. The cold collision properties and the influence of the external magnetic field as well as the effect of the uncertainty of interaction potential on the collisionally induced Zeeman relaxation are explored and discussed in detail. The ratios of elastic to inelastic cross sections are large over a wide range of collision energy, magnetic field, and scaling factor of the potential, suggesting helium buffer gas loading and cooling of CN in a magnetic trap is a good prospect.