A quantum-mechanical investigation of O(3<i>P</i>) + CO scattering cross sections at superthermal collision energies

The kinetics and energetic relaxation associated with collisions between fast thermal atoms are of fundamental interest for escape therefore also the evolution Mars atmosphere. total differential cross-sections O($^3P$) atom CO have been calculated from quantum mechanical calculations. computed at collision energies 0.4 to 5 eV in center-of-mass frame relevant planetary science astrophysics. All three potential energy surfaces ($^3$A', $^3$A" 2 symmetry) + separating atomic ground state included calculations cross-sections. all isotopes CO. isotope dependence compared. Our newly data on O their molecules will be very useful improve modeling transfer processes Mars' upper