1.
Phys Rev Lett
; 110(21): 213202, 2013 May 24.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23745870
ABSTRACT
We develop a general quantum theory for reactive collisions involving power-law potentials (-1/r(n)) valid from the ultracold up to the high-temperature limit. Our quantum defect framework extends the conventional capture models to include the nonuniversal case when the short-range reaction probability P(re)<1. We present explicit analytical formulas as well as numerical studies for the van der Waals (n=6) and polarization (n=4) potentials. Our model agrees well with recent merged beam experiments on Penning ionization, spanning collision energies from 10 mK to 30 K [Henson et al., Science 338, 234 (2012)].