https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2004-00127-x
Rotational structures of long-range diatomic molecules
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, USA
Corresponding author: a bgao@physics.utoledo.edu
Received:
15
June
2004
Published online:
28
September
2004
We present a systematic understanding of the rotational structure
of a long-range (vibrationally highly-excited) diatomic molecule.
For example, we show that depending on a quantum defect,
the least-bound vibrational state of a diatomic molecule with
(n>2) asymptotic interaction can have only 1, 2, and
up to a maximum of 
rotational levels. A classification scheme
of diatomic molecules is proposed, in which each class has a distinctive
rotational structure and corresponds to different atom-atom
scattering properties above the dissociation limit.
PACS: 33.15.Mt – Rotation, vibration, and vibration-rotation constants / 34.10.+x – General theories and models of atomic and molecular collisions and interactions (including statistical theories, transition state, stochastic and trajectory models, etc.) / 03.75.Nt – Other Bose-Einstein condensation phenomena / 03.75.Ss – Degenerate Fermi gases
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2004
