Positron scattering from polar molecules: Rotovibrationally inelastic collisions with CO targets

Quantum calculations have been carried out on the vibrational and rotational excitation processes for CO molecules in collision with positron projectiles below the threshold of Ps formation (Ecoll<~7eV). The coupled equations have been solved for the vibrationally inelastic process in the body-fixed frame of reference, and Born-type corrections for the divergent behavior of the angular distributions due to the permanent molecular dipole have been applied. Detailed comparisons are made between the partial (rotational and/or vibrational) integral and differential cross sections and earlier available calculations and measurements.