Abstract
Generalized multichannel quantum defect theory [C. H. Greene et al. Phys. Rev., A26, 2441 (1982)] is implemented to the vibrational predissociation of triatomic van der Waals molecules. As this is the first one of such an application, the dependences of the quantum defect parameters on energy and radius are examined carefully. Calculation shows that, in the physically important region, quantum defect parameters remain smoothly varying functions of energy for this system as in atomic applications, thus allowing us very coarse energy mesh calculations for the photodissociation spectra. The choice of adiabatic or diabatic potentials as reference potentials for the calculation of quantum defect parameters as done by Mies and Julienne [J. Chem. Phys., 80, 2526 (1984)] can not be used for this system. Physically motivated reference potentials that may be generally applicable to all kinds of systems are utilized instead. In principle, implementation can be done to any other predissociation processes with the same method.