Elastic and inelastic scattering of Li+ions by rare gases (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe)

Elastic and inelastic differential measurements in Li + -rare gas collisions have been performed in the keV energy range. On the other hand ab initio calculations have been carried out on some potential energy curves of (Li-Ne) + and (Li-Ar) + . The experimental data are examined in the framework of the quasi-molecular aspect of atomic collisions leading to a discussion of the validity of the 'electron promotion model' (Fano-Lichten) for outer shell excitation mechanisms.