Quantum State-Resolved Nonadiabatic Dynamics of the H plus NaF → Na plus HF Reaction

The H + NaF reaction is investigated at the quantum state-resolved level using the time-dependent wave-packet method based on a set of accurate diabatic potential energy surfaces. Oscillatory structures in the total reaction probability indicate the presence of the short-lived intermediate complex, attributed to a shallow potential well and exothermicity. Ro-vibrational state-resolved integral cross sections reveal the inverted population distributions of the product. The HF product favors an angular distribution in the forward hemisphere of 30 degrees-60 degrees within the collision energy range from the threshold to 0.50 eV, which is related to the nonlinear approach of the H atom to the NaF molecule. Quantum generalized deflection functions show that the low-J partial waves contribute primarily to the backward scattering, while the high-J partial waves govern the forward scattering. The correlation between the partial wave J and the scattering angle & thetasym; proves that the reaction follows a predominant direct reaction mechanism.