On infinite order sudden approximations for an arbitrary potential energy

Abstract

The infinite order sudden approximation (IOSA) for rotational excitation, introduced by Pack and co‐workers, is extended to arbitrary potential energies in an independent derivation of results also obtained by Secrest by another route. Close connections are established with the collision theory of Curtiss and co‐workers. In addition, an IOSA for general rotating and vibrating molecules is presented.