Quantum corrections to the equilibrium rate constants of inelastic processes

The quantum corrections which the equilibrium rate constants of inelastic processes acquire due to particle momenta deviating from the Maxwell distribution at high gas pressures and relatively low temperatures are considered. This deviation can be interpreted as a manifestation of the time-energy uncertainty relation for particles colliding elastically at a high rate, with the characteristic energy $\sim\hbar\nu$ (where $\nu$ is the collision frequency) put into correspondence with the temperature. Taking account of this deviation changes the temperature dependences of the rate constants of adiabatic and exothermal processes, as illustrated by the examples of vibrationally relaxing diatomic molecules and nuclear fusion and chemical processes. The experimental anomalies in the temperature dependences of the corresponding rate constants are accounted for adequately by introducing the non-Maxwellian corrections.