The effect of resonances on collisional energy transfer

The effect of resonances on the collinear inelastic scattering of CO ₂ with He, Ne, and Ar has been studied. The initial conditions for the CO₂ molecule were chosen by using Poincaré surfaces of section to identify trajectories which lie on resonant tori. Near-resonant and nonresonant trajectories have also been examined. The dynamics of the CO ₂ molecule undergoes a dramatic change as a rare gas atom approaches. Resonances are created and destroyed and, in some cases, a transition from quasiperiodic to chaotic motion occurs. The energy transfer is enhanced for trajectories involving resonant or near-resonant CO₂ states.