Probability currents in inelastic atomic collision studies

Abstract

The rigorous probability current method within the quantum collision theory is tested in detail on the Tully A and B models for a single traverse of nonadiabatic regions during atomic collisions. Calculations are performed in a diabatic representation by numerical integration of the coupled channel equations for nuclear radial wave functions. The results of precise quantum calculations are compared with those predicted by the Landau–Zener model for the same electronic structures. It is established that the probability current method is an efficient tool for investigations of inelastic atomic collision processes.

Keywords

• atomic collisions
• probability current
• Tully models
• transition probability
• Landau–Zener model
• diabatic representation