Mutual Neutralization in Collisions of Li with O-+

The total and differential cross sections and final state distribution for mutual neutralization in collisions of Li+ with O− have been calculated using an ab initio quantum mechanical approach based on potential energy curves and non-adiabatic coupling elements computed with the multi-reference configuration interaction method. The final state distributions favor channels with excited oxygen states, indicating a strong effect of electron correlation, and the electron transfer cannot be described by a simple one-electron exchange process.