Abstract
The collision of an antiproton and a hydrogen atom at ultralow energies is described in hyperspherical coordinates. An adiabatic approximation leads to potential-energy curves that can be used to describe the dynamics of capture in the collision. A unified formulation of the collision and capture processes leading to formation of bound states emerges. Both “atomic-type” and “molecular-type” states are represented. These potential curves are calculated to more than 10 000 protonium Bohr radii, where low-energy antiprotons are stopped in collisions with hydrogen atoms. Elastic and inelastic partial and total protonium formation cross sections in the mass-scaled -H system are calculated. The existence of protonium negative (or positive) ion in its ground and excited states is discussed.
- Received 4 May 2001
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.67.012704
©2003 American Physical Society