Scaling of moments in rotational inelasticity

Abstract

We report the scaling behaviour of rotational energy transfer moments. The quantum moments exhibit a polynomial scaling behaviour in the variable j_i(j_i+1), whereas the classical moments scale as a polynomial in J_i², where J_i is the initial rotational quantum number or action. Applications are made to Li^∗₂-rare gas collisions, as well as to a classical planar-rotor collision model. The scaling theory allows an accurate interpolation and extrapolation of experimental scattering data.