Dissociative electron attachment to CH2Cl2, CHCH3Cl2, and C(CH3)2Cl2.

We perform theoretical studies of dissociative electron attachment (DEA) for the compounds CH(2-n)(CH(3))(n)Cl(2), n = 0, 1, 2, by combining the finite-element discrete model with the resonance R-matrix theory. An unexpectedly low DEA cross section for CH(2)Cl(2) is likely due to the relatively large resonance width for this compound that confirms experimental observations. However, there are some quantitative discrepancies with the experimental results.

On the validity of the Arrhenius equation for electron attachment rate coefficients.

The validity of the Arrhenius equation for dissociative electron attachment rate coefficients is investigated. A general analysis allows us to obtain estimates of the upper temperature bound for the range of validity of the Arrhenius equation in the endothermic case and both lower and upper bounds in the exothermic case with a reaction barrier. The results of the general discussion are illustrated by numerical examples whereby the rate coefficient, as a function of temperature for dissociative electron attachment, is calculated using the resonance R-matrix theory.

Theory of electron attachment to CO2 clusters.

A theory of electron collisions with van der Waals clusters is developed which is capable of describing the vibrational Feshbach resonances (VFRs) recently observed in electron attachment to CO2 clusters. The calculations also predict vibrational excitation (VE) of one molecular unit in a cluster environment and demonstrate a strong influence of the VFRs on the VE cross sections.