Quantum and semiclassical dynamics of differential optical collisions

Control of Atomic Collisions by Laser Polarization

“…In Fig. 1(a) the NaNe interaction energies in the presence of a light field, i.e., U X r h and U B r, are shown as a function of the atom-atom distance r. Optical excitation is possible at the crossing (Condon) radius r c where U X r c h U B r c :(1)For the present purpose, a semiclassical approach [19] is appropriate for the description of the collision dynamics. Figure 1(b) shows the relevant classical trajectories and the corresponding transition points.…”

“…For the present purpose, a semiclassical approach [19] is appropriate for the description of the collision dynamics. Figure 1(b) shows the relevant classical trajectories and the corresponding transition points.…”

“…The axis directions r 1 and r 2 at the transition points are the Condon vectors as shown in the figure. The semiclassical expression for the differential cross section [19] reads The relation holds for linear as well as elliptic polarization, where the vector E is complex. p 2 1 and p 2 2 are classical weight factors and 1 and 2 are the phases for the separate trajectories.…”

“…We performed quantum scattering calculations [19], using potential curves by Kerner and Meyer [21] with minor modifications on the basis of previous scattering experiments [22]. The results are shown in Figs.…”

Potential Energy Surfaces for the Na(3p)N2, Na(3p)HCN and Na(3p)C2H2 Complexes:Ab Initio Calculations and Model Considerations

“…Let us note that the transition may take place before or after the closest encounter of the colliding particles. For optical collisions of Na with noble gas atoms, even quantum-mechanical interferences of trajectories that change the surface at the first or second resonance (Condon points) have been detected [7]. This effect is even more probable for scattering with molecules, but could not yet be observed due to reduced resolution and poorer statistics.…”