Laser-collision induced chemical reactions: A comparison of quantum mechanical and classical model results

We compare the results of a classical model for the laser enhancement of the H+LiF→Li+HF reaction to accurate quantum mechanical results. Structure in the reaction probability as a function of collision energy below the fieldfree threshold predicted classically by Orel and Miller is found to be less pronounced in the quantum results. A much better understanding of the various causes of the observed maxima and also of the reliability of this classical model are obtained as a result of these calculations. A fundamental inconsistency in the classical model introduced when the Langer modification is made which can lead to unphysical results is discussed and a procedure for correcting this inconsistency is presented. Improved results are obtained