Abstract. Electron capture cross sections are calculated for protons colliding with sodium atoms in their ground state. The perturbed stationary-state approximation is used with model-potential energy levels and couplings. The dynamics are treated with straight-line paths for the nuclei and a common electron translation factor. At energies E<or=8 keV results for ground-state capture agree with recent atomic orbital calculations (R. Shingal et al., ibid., vol.19, p.309 (1986)) and some of the experimental data, but do not support other molecular orbital results. Reasons for this are discussed.

Print publication: Issue 3 (14 February 1986)