Theoretical and Computational Analysis at a Quantum State Level of Autoionization Processes in Astrochemistry

Abstract

Changes in atomic-molecular alignment and/or in molecular orientation, can affect strongly the fate of basic collision events. However, a deep knowledge of these phenomena is still today not fully understood, although it is of general relevance for the control of the stereo-dynamics of elementary chemical-physical processes, occurring under a variety of conditions, both in gas phase and at surface. In particular, understanding the mode-specificity in reaction dynamics of open-shell atoms, free radicals, molecules, atomic and molecular ions, under hyper-thermal, thermal and sub-thermal conditions is of fundamental importance for catalysis, plasmas, photo-dynamics as well as interstellar and low-temperature chemistry. In this paper recent results on the role of atomic alignment effects on the stereo-dynamics of autoionization reactions are presented and discussed.