Data from small-angle scattering in collisions between helium projectiles and rare gas target atoms will be analyzed to yield accurate determinations of the ground state potential energy of these systems as a function of internuclear separation. Results will be obtained by fitting a realistic potential model (HFD) to published keV-energy collision data using a least squares minimization procedure. The focus of this study is the repulsive barrier at energies greater than 0.1 eV, a region which at present is poorly characterized relative to our understanding of the interaction potential at lower energies. The work will be carried out primarily by undergraduate students and will provide excellent training for them on a project that is well suited for undergraduate participation and will train them the techniques of computer based reduction of experimental data.
