Collisional quantum interference effect on rotational energy transfer in an atom-diatom system

The theoretical model of collisional quantum interference (CQI) in intramol ecular rotational energy transfer is described in an atom-diatom system, ba sed on the first Born approximation of time-dependent perturbation theory a nd considering a long-range interaction potential. The relation between dif ferential and integral interference angles is obtained. For the CO A(1)Pi ( v = 0)/e(3)Sigma (-)(v = 1)-He collision system, the calculated integral in terference angles are consistent with the experimental values. The physical significance of interference angle and the essential factors it depends on as well as the influence of the short-range interaction on CQI are discuss ed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.