Fully Λ-doublet resolved differential cross sections and collision-induced rotational alignment moments have been measured for the NO(X)-Xe collision system at a collision energy of 519 cm −1 . The experiments combine initial quantum state selection, employing a hexapole inhomogeneous electric field, with quantum state resolved detection, using (1+1 ′ ) resonantly enhanced multiphoton ionization and velocity map ion imaging. The differential cross sections and polarization dependent

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... cross sections are shown to agree well with quantum mechanical scattering calculations performed on ab initio potential energy surfaces [J. K los et al. J. Chem. Phys. 137, 014312 (2012)]. By comparison with quasi-classical trajectory calculations, quantum mechanical scattering calculations on a hard-shell potential, and kinematic apse model calculations, the effects of the attractive part of the potential on the measured differential cross sections and collision-induced rotational alignment moments are assessed.