Alkali atom-dimer exchange reactions: Na + Rb2

Abstract

Velocity analysis measurements of reactive scattering from the reaction Na + Rb₂→ NaRb + Rb are reported. The product translational energy distribution is close to that predicted by a long-lived collision complex model with an average product translational energy E′_av∼ 30% of the total available energy. A limited range of angular forms for the differential reaction cross section is compatible with the experimental data. The total reaction cross section is large Q= 120 ± 20 Ų, indicating that a major fraction of collisions captured by the long-range van der Waals attraction, leads to reaction. These features of the reactive scattering are discussed in terms of the form of the reaction potential energy surface, with particular regard to the orientation dependence of reaction.