Electron-ion scattering

Abstract

Recent advances in the elucidation of electron-ion scattering phenomena is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the new generation of experiments where scattered electrons are analysed and detected. The sensitivity of measurements as a probe of collision dynamics, application to plasma studies, and future directions are considered.

Elastic resonant and nonresonant differential scattering of quasifree electrons fromB4+(1s)andBenis1, Zouros2, Gorczyca3 et al. 2004Phys. Rev. A3232011View full textAdd to dashboardCite

“…Small-angle ͑ Շ 80°͒ electron scattering [2,3] corresponds to distant collisions. Therefore, it is dominated by the ionic Coulomb potential and it exhibits Rutherford scattering behavior, which is well understood [1]. Large-angle ͑ տ 80°͒ scattering [4] corresponds to a deeper probing of the atomic structure near the distance of closest approach.…”

“…Electron-ion differential scattering measurements probe the delicate interplay between the electron, the short-range scattering potential due to the electronic structure of the ion, and the long-range Coulomb potential due to the ion's charge [1]. Small-angle ͑ Շ 80°͒ electron scattering [2,3] corresponds to distant collisions.…”

Non-LTE Model Atom Construction

“…A first important step is to check how well the ab-initio calculations reproduce the observed energies of the levels in an atom/ion. A comparison of observed and computed oscillator strengths and cross-sections for reactions gives further indications (see for example reviews by Williams 1999;Kjeldsen 2006). The latter will typically be possible only for ground and metastable states, but the opportunity for constraining the accuracy of the theoretical data should not be missed.…”

Excited Ions in Intense Femtosecond Laser Pulses: Laser-Induced Recombination

“…The narrow momentum distribution of the wave packet results in a significant probability of electron-ion interaction. This opens up the fascinating prospect of studying electron-ion scattering phenomena, notoriously difficult to investigate in a conventional beam-beam approach [6], with the added bonus that the electron ''pulse'' is on a femtosecond time scale [7].The possible electron collision mechanisms, i.e., elastic scattering, inelastic scattering, and recombination, have all been observed by various means. Elastic scattering leads to momentum transfer, such that the scattered electron is unlikely to further recollide with the core and will be observable at the high energy extreme of the detected electron spectrum, contributing to the above-threshold ionization process [8].…”

“…The narrow momentum distribution of the wave packet results in a significant probability of electron-ion interaction. This opens up the fascinating prospect of studying electron-ion scattering phenomena, notoriously difficult to investigate in a conventional beam-beam approach [6], with the added bonus that the electron ''pulse'' is on a femtosecond time scale [7].…”