On the scattering of slow protons by diatomic targets

Inelastic collisions leading to rotationally excited molecular targets and involving protons as projectiles are theoretically examined from the point of view of both the scattering equations in the close coupling formalism and the interaction potentials between the partners. A phenomenological approach is suggested for constructing such interactions and computational results are reported for simple diatomic targets. The inadequacy of more traditional ‘static’ approaches, when called for explaining dynamic couplings with open channels and centrifugal effects, is also discussed.