Electron Scattering Dynamics in Atomic and Molecular Systems
Summary
Electron scattering constitutes a cornerstone of atomic and molecular physics, probing the interactions that govern the behaviour of matter under electron impact. When an electron collides with an atom or molecule, it may be elastically deflected or inelastically excite or ionise the target, producing a wealth of spectroscopic and dynamical information. Detailed measurements and calculations of scattering cross sections—both total and differential—enable the reconstruction of potential energy surfaces, the identification of transient resonant states and the quantification of energy and momentum transfer. Advances in theoretical methods, from partial-wave expansions within complex optical potentials to variational multichannel approaches, now allow high-precision predictions across a broad energy range. Experimentally, crossed-beam apparatus, reaction microscopes and angle-resolved spectrometers yield ever finer angular and energy resolution. The resulting data underpin applications as diverse as plasma modelling, radiation therapy, astrochemical processes in interstellar media and the development of novel materials through electron microscopy and lithography.
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Electron Scattering Dynamics in Atomic and Molecular Systems publication trend
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Technical terms
Elastic scattering: A collision in which kinetic energy is conserved and only the direction of the electron changes.
Inelastic scattering: A collision resulting in energy transfer to internal degrees of freedom of the target, such as excitation or ionisation.
Cross section: A measure of the probability of a scattering event, often expressed as an effective area.
Differential cross section: A cross section expressed as a function of scattering angle, indicating the angular distribution of scattered electrons.
Resonance: A temporary trapping of an electron in a quasi-bound state of the target, leading to peaks in cross-section spectra.
References
- Electron Scattering from 1-Methyl-5-Nitroimidazole: Cross-Sections for Modeling Electron Transport through Potential Radiosensitizers. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Scattering of e± by C2H6 Molecule over a Wide Range of Energy: A Theoretical Investigation. Molecules (2023).
- A Theoretical Study of Scattering of Electrons and Positrons by CO2 Molecule. Atoms (2022).
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