An experimental determination of the complete transition matrix for the electron transfer process Li+ + Na(3s) ''>'' Li(2p) + Na+

We have performed an experimental study of the electron transfer processes in Li+-Na(3s) collisions leading to Li(2s) and Li(2p), using 6Li+ beam at a collision energy of 1 keV. Neutral particles scattered in a narrow forward cone were detected in coincidence with polarization-analysed photons emitted from the Li(2p) state. This technique enabled determination of the complete Li(2p) transition matrix as a function of scattering angle, which is typically a fraction of a degree. The experimental results for the complete set of differential cross sections and coherence parameters are in excellent agreement with the predictions of recent molecular basis coupled-channel calculations of Machholm and Courbin. (author)