Ion-Atom and Atom-Atom Collisions

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the principal features of theoretical treatments of ion-atom and atom-atom collisions. This is a broad topic and the goal here scattering theoryion-atom collisionsscattering theoryatom-atomscattering theorycharge transferionizationin heavy particle scatteringcharge transfercharge transferdoubletransfer excitationtransfer ionization is a general overview that introduces the main concepts, terminology, and methods in the field. Attention will focus on intermediate and high collision velocities, for which the relative velocity between the projectile and target is on the order of, or larger than, the orbital speed of the electrons active in the transition.