Quantum investigation of linear triatomic exchange reactions. A computational method

The model hamiltonian for a linear triatomic exchange reaction is derived in natural reaction coordinates, and a method is developed to solved the system of wave equations in close coupling approximation. The interaction zone is divided into subintervals, in each of which the coefficients of the system are assumed to be constant; this assumption provides an exact analystical solution over the interval. Special boundary conditions which account for the derivatives of the coefficients are used to match the solutions for adjacent intervals. The method converges to the exact solution with an increasing number of intervals of decreasing length. Results obtained for certain model system illustrate the merits of the method and its convergence.