Phase Interference Effects in Inelastic Heavy Particle Collisions

Abstract

Phase interference effects in inelastic heavy particle collisions are reviewed. Experimental results are viewed in terms of the semiclassical theory. Types of the non-adiabatic coupling mechanisms are classified. In each type of the mechanisms, examples of the interference effects are presented. Non-adiabatic transitions between molecular states result in branching of the scattering path. Interference structures in the cross sections arise from the phase difference between the branches.