Calculations of inelastic cross sections for rotational excitation

Abstract

Cross sections for scattering of N₂ (j=0) molecules on He atoms are calculated for relative energies below the excitation threshold for the N₂ (j=2) rotational state. The close coupling method is used and the coupled differential equations are solved numerically. Very sharp resonances (corresponding to a lifetime of 10⁻¹⁰ sec) caused by quasistable states of the N₂He system are found in the calculated cross section, when the closed channels corresponding to the N₂ (j=2) states were included in the coupled equations. The position of the resonances is compared with the calculated energy eigenvalues of the corresponding two body potential. Furthermore the equilibrium concentration of the N₂He quasistable and orbiting states is calculated at 80 °K andp _{N 2}=1 Atm. Both concentrations are found to be 1%.