Quantum Theory of Reactive Collisions for1/rnPotentials

Abstract

We develop a general quantum theory for reactive collisions involving power-law potentials (-1/r(n)) valid from the ultracold up to the high-temperature limit. Our quantum defect framework extends the conventional capture models to include the nonuniversal case when the short-range reaction probability P(re)<1. We present explicit analytical formulas as well as numerical studies for the van der Waals (n=6) and polarization (n=4) potentials. Our model agrees well with recent merged beam experiments on Penning ionization, spanning collision energies from 10 mK to 30 K [Henson et al., Science 338, 234 (2012)].