Angular momenta correlation in kinematically constrained reactions: application to the Ba + HI → BaI + H system

Abstract

Extensive quasiclassical trajectory calculations have been carried out to study the disposal of both rotational and orbital angular momenta in the Ba + HI → BaI + H system. As expected for this kinematically constrained reaction, a complete transfer of the reactant orbital (rotational) momentum L(J) into the product rotational (orbital) angular momentum J′(L′) was found. However, significant deviations from the kinematic limit are noticeable for the J → L′ vector correlation, particularly at low reagent rotational excitation. The results are analysed in the light of the stereodynamic picture associated with these kinematically restricted reactions. In addition, the possibility of controlling the spatial distribution of the reaction products by laser polarization of the reagent rotational angular momentum is also discussed.