A simple version of the multichannel quantum defect analysis of inelastic atomic processes involving molecular Rydberg states

A system of algebraic equations is suggested for the T matrix describing the collision of atoms occurring with participation of the Rydberg molecular states. The equations used ensure the unitarity of the S matrix and allow the direct connection to be established between the phenomenological parameters of the theory and the adiabatic characteristics of the terms. The peculiarities of the resonant structure of the inelastic scattering are studied. The relative role of the population mechanism of the continuum states and of the quasi-discrete molecular Rydberg states is considered. (author)