Three particle description of H-inert gas interaction

We have analyzed the H-inert gas atom pair as a three particle system, an e lectron, a proton, and an inert gas atom. The interaction of the electron a nd the proton with the inert gas atom is described by a model potential wit h polarizability and nonadiabatic terms. This potential allows us to obtain reliable values for the energies at different separations, in particular d issociation energy at equilibrium separation. It also provides an alternate approach to the usual two body analysis in terms of van der Waals type of potential, and an insight into the physical structure of the system. (C) 20 00 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(00)30634-1].