Classical trajectory description of the dynamics of the autoionization event in He(23S)-D2 Penning ionization

A theoretical picture of the dynamics of the autoionization event He(23S)−D2(ν″ = 0) → [He…D2+(ν′)]+esu− is obtained for a collision energy ranging from 10 to 150 meV (average ∼ 51 meV). The treatment of the dynamics consists of 2D classical trajectory calculations based on static characteristics which include a quantum mechanical treatment of the perturbed D2(ν″ = 0) and D2+(ν′) vibrational motion. The nascent vibrational populations are dynamical averages over the local widths of the He(23S)−D2(ν″ = 0) state with respect to autoionization to D2+(…He) in its vth vibrational level and the Penning electron energies are related to the local differences between the energies of the corresponding perturbed D2(ν″ = 0)(…He∗) and D2+(ν′)(…He) vibrational states. The picture of the He(23S)−D2(ν″ = 0) ionization event is consistent with that provided by a recent Penning measurement. The present set of theoretical nascent Penning ion populations is more complete.