Abstract

Assume that collisional redistribution occurs in a collision of two atoms in scattering state i by absorption of a photon through an isolated molecular state a to an isolated molecular state b, followed by separation to excited product scattering state f. If the separation velocity of the two atoms is sufficiently large, the final state can be approximated by the same recoil limit which has been developed for photofragmentation.¹ Our close coupling calculations on Na + He systems show how the recoil limit for fine-structure branching rations is approached for both red and blue detuning as product separation velocity increases. Comparisons are made between the lighter Na-He system at thermal energies and the heavier Na-He system.

© 1986 Optical Society of America