Semiclassical theory of rotational transitions in collisions of diatomic molecules

In earlier papers, the theory of rotational transitions in collisions of diatomic molecules has been developed in terms of a generalized phase shift. In the present paper, the classical limit of this function is discussed and limiting expressions are developed. These expressions may be used to obtained expressions for the classical limit of various quantities associated with the collisions. In particular, an expression is developed for the moments of the transition probability with respect to the rotational inelasticity.