EIGNVALUES PROBLEM IN VIEW OF THE THEORY OF COLLISION

Abstract

The motion of a single electron in the field of two complex atoms or ions constitutes a problem which is relevant for various topics in atomic and molecular physics. An important example is provided by ion-atom collisions with a relative nuclear velocity which is sufficiently small to allow the inner-shell or even outer­ shell electrons to adjust their orbital motion to the momentary position of the two nuclei. In this way a transient quasimolecule is formed whose electronic energy levels vary with the internuclear separation during the collision.