STUDIES OF INELASTIC CROSS-SECTION IN RB(7S)+RB(5S) COLLISIONS

The cross section sigma = (8+/-4) x 10(-15) cm(2) was determined for t he Rb(7S) + Rb(5S) --> Rb(SD)+ Rb(5S) excitation energy transfer proce ss, and the quenching cross section sigma(q) = (2 +/- 1) x 10(-14) cm( 2) for the Rb(5D) state in collisions with ground state Rb atoms. Appl ying rubidium quasimolecular asymptotic potential curves at relatively large internuclear distances, a qualitative interpretation of the exp erimental results is presented It is shown that the quenching of the R b(SD) atoms in collisions may be explained by a reversed energy poolin g process Rb(5D) + Rb(5S) --> Rb(5P)+ Rb(5P).