Lambda-doublet specificity in the low-temperature capture of NO(X (2)Pi(1/2)) in low rotational states by C+ ions

Abstract

Following our general approach to Lambda-doubling specificity in the capture of dipolar molecules by ions [M. Auzinsh , J. Chem. Phys. 128, 184304 (2008)], we calculate the rate coefficients for the title process in the temperature range 10(-4)< T < 10(2) K. Three regimes considered are as follows: (i) nonadiabatic capture in the regime of high-field Stark effect with respect to the Lambda-doubling components, (10(-1)< T < 10(2) K), (ii) adiabatic capture in the regime of intermediate Stark effect (10(-3)< T < 10(-1) K), and (iii) adiabatic capture in the limit of very low temperatures (T < 10(-3) K) in the regime of quadratic Stark effect with respect to the Lambda-doubling and hyperfine components. The results predict a high specificity of the capture rates with respect to the Lambda-doublet states even under conditions when the collision energy of the partners strongly exceeds the Lambda-doubling splitting.