State-resolved scattering of molecules in pendular states: ICl+Ar

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Abstract
The effect of pendular orientation of the figure axis of ICl on elastic and inelastic scattering by Ar was explored in a crossed beam experiment. The pendular states of ICl are created by hybridizing its rotational states up to J≤3 in a uniform electric field of strength E=100 kV/cm. The resulting change in the distribution of individual J states of ICl is measured state-selectively by laser-induced fluorescence near the zero scattering angle outside the field. We find that the electric field inhibits rotationally inelastic scattering of low-J state molecules, due to a larger spacing between levels.