State-changing collisions of low-Rydberg Na atoms with ground state He atoms: A low-energy study involving spherical and nonspherical initial target states

Abstract

Low-energy (E≤1 eV) state-changing collisions of excited atom, particularly the low-Rydberg (n 3) propensity rule holds. The explanation lies in the ordering of the relevant adiabatic energy curves and the nature of the coupling. The Stueckelberg interference oscillations are found in the inelastic cross sections. The role of the nonspherical target state before the collision is discussed. The total thermal energy quenching rates are calculated and compared with the experiment results. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 80: 1011–1023, 2000