Abstract
The cross section sigma = (8+/-4) x 10(-15) cm(2) was determined for the Rb(7S) + Rb(5S) --> Rb(SD)+ Rb(5S) excitation energy transfer process, and the quenching cross section sigma(q) = (2 +/- 1) x 10(-14) cm(2) for the Rb(5D) state in collisions with ground state Rb atoms. Applying rubidium quasimolecular asymptotic potential curves at relatively large internuclear distances, a qualitative interpretation of the experimental results is presented It is shown that the quenching of the Rb(SD) atoms in collisions may be explained by a reversed energy pooling process Rb(5D) + Rb(5S) --> Rb(5P)+ Rb(5P).