Differential scattering dynamics of F+CH4 → HF(v,J)+CH3 via high-resolution IR laser dopplerimetry

Product recoil data from F + CH4 --> HF(v,J) + CH3 reactive scattering are obtained using crossed supersonic jets and narrow band (Deltav approximate to 0.0001 cm (1)) infrared radiation laser direct absorption techniques. The high-resolution infrared radiation profiles of HF(v, J) product exhibit extensive Doppler broadening that directly reflects quantum state-resolved translational distributions in the laboratory frame under single collision conditions. Analyses of Doppler profiles yield information on state-resolved differential cross sections into the HF(v = 1) and HF(v = 2) vibrational manifolds, which both identify a propensity for forward/backward scattering (/cos(theta)/approximate to 1) over side scattering (/cos(theta)/ approximate to 0) in the center-of-mass frame. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.