Rotational rainbow effects in electron-molecule and atom-molecule scattering

Abstract

Rotational rainbow structures in atom/electron-molecule scattering are analysed by means of simple dynamical approximations as hard-shell molecules, the infinite order sudden (IOS) approximation and the N-centre spectator model. Typical collision systems described are atom-molecule scattering for collision energies of 10-1 eV and electron-molecule scattering at 102 eV. The IOS and spectator rotational rainbow patterns are compared and special features related to initially excited molecules, m-changing collisions, multiple rainbows, and inversion techniques are discussed. The rotational rainbow patterns for polyatomic molecules (symmetric tops) are discussed as well as vibrational effects in the rotational rainbow structures of diatomics.