Differential scattering dynamics of F+CH4→HF(v,J)+CH3 via high-resolution IR laser dopplerimetry

Product recoil data from F+CH4→HF(v,J)+CH3 reactive scattering are obtained using crossed supersonic jets and narrow band (Δν≈0.0001 cm−1) infrared radiation laser direct absorption techniques. The high-resolution infrared radiation profiles of HF(v,J) product exhibit extensive Doppler broadening that directly reflects quantum state-resolved translational distributions in the laboratory frame under single collision conditions. Analyses of Doppler profiles yield information on state-resolved differential cross sections into the HF(v=1) and HF(v=2) vibrational manifolds, which both identify a propensity for forward/backward scattering (|cos(θ)|≈1) over side scattering (|cos(θ)|≈0) in the center-of-mass frame.