Spin-lattice relaxation and the anisotropic part of the H2–He and H2–Ne intermolecular potential

Abstract

The spin‐lattice relaxation time of H2 infinitely dilute in He and Ne gases has been measured from 20–140 °K. Scattering cross sections for molecular reorientation and rotational excitation of H2 in collision with He and Ne have been computed. By comparison between experiment and calculation, using theoretical relationships between cross sections and measured relaxation rates, parameters are obtained for the anisotropic part of the H 2 –He and H 2 –Ne potential surfaces.