Spatial dependence of electron transfer from optically prepared states:: Li++Na(3p)→Li(2p)+Na+

This paper reports experimental and theoretical results for the influence of optical target preparation on electron transfer for Li-6(+)-Na(3p) collisions at an impact energy of 1 keV. The spatial pattern of the scattered neutrals is strongly forwardly peaked, with typical scattering angles of less than 0.05 degrees. The results reveal pronounced spatial anisotropies, strongly dependent on the initial target preparation. In particular, when a p orbital is prepared aligned along the direction of the incident ion beam, electron transfer is much more efficient than for the perpendicular orbital geometry. Furthermore, if the orbital is tilted by 45 degrees with respect to the incident beam direction, a strong left-right scattering asymmetry is observed, with more neutrals being scattered to the side to which the orbital is pointing than in the opposite direction; A complete set of density matrix parameters has been determined for the channels corresponding to electron transfer, which at this energy is predominantly into the Li(2p) levels. There is good overall agreement between experimental observations and theoretical predictions based on the coupled channel impact parameter method using a 28 state molecular basis (Machholm M et al 1994 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 27 4681), and a 26 or 35 state atomic basis, the results of which are presented.