On the Differential Cross Sections in Complex-Forming Atom–Diatom Reactive Collisions

Abstract

The shape of the differential cross section has been studied for years as a helpful indicator for the dynamics of atom–diatom reactive collisions. In particular, a symmetrical profile of the angular distribution about the sideways scattering direction (θ ≈ 90°) with prominent peaks for the forward (θ ≈ 0°) and backward peaks (θ ≈ 180° is commonly associated with reactions which proceed via the formation of an intermediate complex. In this work we make an overview of the theoretical foundations on this assumption, originally proposed within the framework of nuclear physics and subsequently adopted in the study of molecular reactions. Examples of recent investigations on different atom–diatom processes are shown.