Collision-induced rotational transitions in nali(1Π)

Collision-induced rotational transitions in the electronically excited NaLi molecule have been studied using laser excited fluorescence. Due to the greater number of allowed transitions as compared with Na₂ and Li₂, more cases were found of transitions +ΔJ and ?ΔJ having greatly different cross sections (“+/ - asymmetry”). This observation is in agreement with recent predictions on the basis of Born's approximation. All observed transitions are classified according to the symmetry of the contributing potential terms. Data are presented which indicate the necessity for refinements of the theory.