Figure 3
Total kinetic energy, \(E_k\), and interatomic separations, \(R_{ab}\), as functions of time for a zero-impact-parameter trajectory with a lifetime of 200 ns. Panel (a) shows \(E_k\) for the first 0.06 ns of the association of two NaRb into a tetramer complex. Panel (b) shows a roaming event that occurs 110.66 ns into the collision. Panels (c) and (d) show the relevant pair separations between the Na and Rb atoms as functions of time for the time intervals in panels (a) and (b), respectively. Only pair separations with the largest values have been labeled. The line colors in the two panels have the same meaning. Here, roaming leads to the temporary formation of homonuclear \(\hbox {Na}_2\) and \(\hbox {Rb}_2\). Figures were prepared using Grace-5.1.22 software.
