Effect of Quantum Corrections for the Increase in the Gas Density on the Vibrational Relaxation Time

Abstract—The effect of quantum corrections to the energy distribution function of light particles, which are associated with quantum indeterminacy due to their frequent collisions with heavy buffer gas particles, is investigated theoretically for CO molecules and He atoms as an example. We analyze the effect of quantum corrections to relaxation rate constants of vibrationally excited CO molecules on helium atoms depending on the gas mixture composition and the gas density and pressure. The effect of quantum corrections on the vibrational relaxation time is calculated using the model of level-by-level vibrational kinetics. The propositions concerning the experimental verification of this new effect that has been predicted theoretically are formulated.