Classical trajectory studies of rotational transitions in Ar–CO2 collisions

Theoretical studies for the infrared spectra of Ar-CO2 complex: Fundamental and combination bands

Two potential energy surfaces (PESs) were constructed for the ground and excited states of Ar-CO₂ complex at the rigid rotor approximation. Besides the notable T-shape structure, two equivalent linear structures were also found on the PES for the first time. Based on the PESs of ground and excited states, the bound state calculations were performed to determine the rotational energy levels for the ground and excited states. In combination of the experimental spectroscopic parameters of ground state and the differences of rotational energy levels, we give a theoretical prediction of infrared spectra including one fundamental band and two combination bands for two isotopomers Ar-¹²C¹⁶O₂ and Ar-¹²C¹⁸O₂ in the ν₃ region of CO₂ monomer. The predicted transition frequencies and spectroscopic parameters of excited states are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data, and these results can also be used as a guide to perform the further investigation for the infrared spectra of combination bands experimentally.

A new potential energy surface and predicted infrared spectra of the Ar-CO(2) van der Waals complex

A new potential energy surface for Ar-CO(2) is constructed at the coupled-cluster singles and doubles with noniterative inclusion of connected triple [CCSD(T)] level with augmented correlation-consistent triple-zeta (aug-cc-pVTZ) basis set plus midpoint bond functions. The Q(3) normal mode for the v(3) antisymmetric stretching vibration of CO(2) is involved in the construction of the potential. Effective two-dimensional potentials with CO(2) in the ground and first excited v(3) vibrational states are obtained by averaging a three-dimensional potential for each case over the Q(3) asymmetric stretch vibrational coordinate. Both potentials have only a T-shaped minimum with a well depth of 200.97 and 201.37 cm(-1), respectively. No linear local minima are detected. The radial discrete variable representation/angular finite basis representation method and the Lanczos algorithm are employed to calculate the related rovibrational energy levels. The calculated band origin shift of the complex agrees very well with the observed one (-0.474 versus -0.470 cm(-1)). In addition, the predicted infrared spectra based on the two averaged potentials are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data, which again testifies the accuracy of the new potentials.

Classical analysis of intermolecular potentials for Ar–CO2 rotational collisions

Classical trajectory calculations have been performed for four potential energy functions to describe Ar–CO2 collisions. A comparison is given between classical cross sections calculated using the two most recent potential surfaces and two older intermolecular potential surfaces based on the electron gas model. The two-dimensional atom ellipsoid model has also been applied for the study of multiple collisions. The model was able to predict such a phenomenon in agreement with quantum scattering results previously published for an ab initio potential surface in the region of very low collision energy. On the other hand, the two older potentials showed multiple collision effects at very high energies. The comparison of the cross sections showed some deviations from the experimental data. By introducing two parameters, a modified surface is proposed by changing the most recent intermolecular potential. In this case the agreement with experimental measurements and theoretical scattering cross sections was considerably improved. It is concluded that global potential surfaces for describing Ar–CO2 interaction are not well established. To achieve the requirement of reproducing all properties of this system, the present work suggests that one needs further experimental and theoretical investigations. Key words: classical trajectories, dynamics, cross sections, Ar–CO2 collisions, potentials.