Scattering at the intersections of potentials

Abstract

The scattering process influenced by the intersection of potential energy surfaces is studied. Exact quantum-mechanical solutions to the two-dimensional two- and three-state models have been found for the collision energy equal to the potential energy at the intersection point. The models considered are the Jahn-Teller and Renner-Teller intersections and the triple intersection of the double cone with a plane. Closed analytical expressions for the scattering amplitudes have been obtained. The results reveal the geometric phase effect and the nonadiabatic phase impact on the differential cross section.