Resonances in rotationally inelastic scattering of OH($X^2\Pi$) with helium and neon

TL;DR

This paper presents detailed theoretical calculations of resonances in rotationally and spin-orbit inelastic scattering of OH radicals with helium and neon, comparing results with experiments and discussing experimental observation prospects.

Contribution

The study provides new ab initio potential energy surfaces for OH-He and identifies shape and Feshbach resonances in scattering cross sections, advancing understanding of molecular collision resonances.

Findings

Calculated cross sections agree with recent experimental data.

Identified shape and Feshbach resonances in scattering processes.

Discussed experimental methods for observing these resonances.

Abstract

We present detailed calculations on resonances in rotationally and spin-orbit inelastic scattering of OH ($X\,^2\Pi, j=3/2, F_1, f$) radicals with He and Ne atoms. We calculate new \emph{ab initio} potential energy surfaces for OH-He, and the cross sections derived from these surfaces compare favorably with the recent crossed beam scattering experiment of Kirste \emph{et al.} [Phys. Rev. A \textbf{82}, 042717 (2010)]. We identify both shape and Feshbach resonances in the integral and differential state-to-state scattering cross sections, and we discuss the prospects for experimentally observing scattering resonances using Stark decelerated beams of OH radicals.