Quasiclassical trajectory simulations of the collisional deactivation of vibrationally excited HgBr(B 2Σ, ν = 52) by N2

The collisional relaxation of HgBr(B 2Σ, ν = 52) by N2 has been studied using quasiclassical trajectory calculations. The transition probabilities show a single Gaussian behaviour. The results are analysed according to the complexity of the collision, determined by the number of turning points during the encounter. The transition probabilities for direct collisions can be fit to a single exponential, while complex collisions are represented by Gaussian functions. The vibration of N2 is adiabatic during the energy transfer process but a significant fraction of the excitation energy is absorbed as rotational energy. Supercollisions do not seem to play any significant role in the relaxation process.