Vibrationally inelastic collision cross sections of He+SO2: Distorted wave approach

Abstract

Vibrational excitation and relaxation cross sections of He colliding with SO2 molecule are evaluated. The results obtained rely on several approximate methods. The infinite-order-sudden approximation provides the framework for treating the rotational motion, while the vibrational processes are described using both exact close-coupling and approximate distorted wave techniques. The latter scheme permits the computations to be extended to much higher collisional energies than so far reported in the literature. Vibrational excitation and relaxation cross sections are presented over a range of collision energies.