Stochastic theory for molecular collisions: Application to the CO–He system

Vibration–rotation inelasticity in the CO–He collision system is studied within the stochastic formulation. Cross sections are obtained for purely rotational transitions using a modified electron gas potential. Vibration–rotation cross sections have been calculated in the energy range 2200 cm−1<E<4000 cm−1. At the higher energy, a total of 76 molecular states are energetically accessible. A comparison with earlier results is made, and coarse graining techniques for the treatment of large problems are utilized.