Theoretical atomic collision physics

The theoretical atomic physics at Rice University focuses on obtaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that control inelastic collisions between excited atoms and atoms, molecules and ions. Particular attention is given to systems and processes that are of potential importance to advanced energy technologies. In the current year, significant progress has been made in quantitative studies of: quenching of low-Rydberg Na atoms in thermal energy collisions with He, Ne and Ar atoms; selective excitation resulting from charge transfer in collisions of highly stripped ions of He, Li, C, and with Li, Na and He atoms and H2 molecules at keV energies; differential elastic and single, and double electron transfer in He++ collisions with He at keV energies; inelastic electron-transfer in ultralow energy-energy (T = 8 to 80 K) collisions between He-3(+) and He-4 and He-4(+) and He-3; a formalism for ionization by electron impact of ions in dense, high temperature plasmas.