Abstract. Experimental differential cross sections for the optical collision process K(4s)²S + Ar + hν → K(4p)²P + Ar are reported. The characteristic interference structures are used to determine the repulsive parts of the KAr X²Σ and B²Σ potential curves by comparison with the results of exact quantum coupled-channel scattering calculations. By a least-squares procedure we obtain potentials with a relative accuracy of typically 1% in the range 0 ≤ V ≤ 1000–1500 cm⁻¹, corresponding to absolute values of 2–4 cm⁻¹ for the larger and 10–15 cm⁻¹ for the smaller distances sampled by the experiment.

Print publication: Issue 16 (28 August 2004)
Received 7 May 2004
Published 9 August 2004