| The differential elastic scattering of Ne* (3s ('3)P(,2,0)) by Ar, Kr, and Xe at collision energies in the range 0.6 - 1.5 kcal/mole is reported. Parametric optical potentials have been derived by simultaneously fitting the differential scattering data along with total (Penning plus associative) ionization cross section and quenching rate constant data from other laboratories. The real parts of these potentials are found to be similar to the Na - rare gas van der Waals potentials. A direct inversion of the Ne* + Xe rainbow scattering yields a potential in good accord with the results obtained from fitting. One-electron model potential calculations also produce potential curves in good agreement with experiment. These calculations show the importance of orbital mixing (antibonding hybridization of the Ne* 3s orbital) on the shape of the repulsive branch of the potential.;The one-electron model potential method is also used to calculate the alkali - rare gas potentials for Li, Na, K, and Rb interacting with He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. The K and Rb potentials are found to have local slope extrema in the repulsion owing to overlap induced hybridization. Similar structure in the Ar* - Kr interaction is demonstrated to be the origin of a repulsive rainbow in the experimental angular distribution. |
