Low-energy inelastic electron scattering from carbon monoxide: Excitation and de-excitation of the X¹Σ⁺, a³Π, a^′3Σ⁺, A¹Π, d³Δ, e³Σ⁻, I¹Σ⁻ and D¹Δ electronic states

Abstract

Cross sections for electronic excitation and de-excitation among the ground state and lowest-lying seven electronic excited states of carbon monoxide (CO) by low-energy electron-impact are computed using R-matrix method. The excitation cross sections from the ground state to the electronic states a 3Π, a'3Σ+ and A 1Π agree with previously experimental and theoretical results. Additionally, the cross sections for I 1Σ- and D 1Δ states of CO which will cascade to CO a'3Σ+ and A 1Π states are calculated. What’s more, in contrast to the typical increase in electronic excitation cross sections with collision energy, the de-excitation cross sections show a negative trend with increasing energy.