Measurements of electron impact optical excitation functions

Abstract

Optical excitation function measurements for electron-atom and electron-ion collisions are reviewed. Sources of experimental error are discussed and, for cases in which adequate documentation is provided, publications are reviewed for accuracy of experimental method. The effects of polarization of the emitted radiation and methods of normalization are considered. The reliability of specific reported data is discussed based on these considerations, on the results of consistency checks, and, where possible, on comparison with other measurements. Data sources for 50 atoms and 20 atomic ions are identified. Comparative plots are presented for cases in which enough data are available: H, He(

Interactions of protons with furan molecules studied by collision-induced emission spectroscopy at the incident energy range of 50–1000 eV

“…The polarization effects [19,20] may influence the intensities obtained with the present setup. Such effects are of particular relevance for the determination of the absolute values of the cross sections.…”

Electron-Collision-Induced Alignment of Rare Gases near Threshold

“…One of the central issues in this problem has been the near-threshold behavior of the alignment (and hence the fluorescence polarization), which is complicated by the formation of negative-ion resonances in the threshold region [6,[8][9][10][11][12]. In this regime perturbative calculations are clearly inappropriate.…”

“…The pioneering measurements of Skinner and Appleyard, made in 1927, involved Hg targets [4]. More recently, experiments have been performed with alkalis and alkali earths, noble gases, and with a few other targets such as the group IIB elements [11]. With the exception of the work of the Münster group on Hg [13], none involved polarized electrons.…”

Electron Scattering by Atoms, Ions, and Molecules

“…Again, many studies have concentrated on resonance features in the excitation functions; see, for example, the recent work of Stepanovic et al (2006) in Figure 8.20 of Section 8.3.1.4. For a review of optical excitation functions for electron-atom and electron-ion excitation, see Heddle and Gallagher (1989).…”