A study of inelastic collision dynamics in state-selected alkali atoms will be continued. In the new grant period three major projects will be undertaken: (1) energy transfer cross sections as a function of velocity and polarization of the reactant atom; (2) Associative ionization in lithium atom collisions as a function of velocity and polarization; (3) Associative ionization in collisions at ultra-cold temperatures using a single atomic beam and acousto-optic modulated Doppler spectroscopy. These studies will explore the nature of atomic interactions in new detail in new regions of velocity, and will allow comparison with theory over a correspondingly broader range of parameters.
